Tag Archives: CHI Geneva

Scott Brash Aims for Show Jumping Perfection at Geneva, Dec. 2016

30 November 2016, Geneva, Switzerland – The 2016 global equestrian season comes to a close in scintillating fashion with the third equestrian Major of the year hosted by CHI Geneva.

The 56th edition of this prestigious show takes place from 8-11 December 2016 in Rolex headquarters’ pristine home city of Geneva. The Swiss indoor show has been voted the world’s best show jumping event for the 8th time by many of equestrian’s greatest riders and Rolex is proud to have been the presenting partner since 1996.

As the only one of the three Majors that comprise the Rolex Grand Slam to be hosted indoors, CHI Geneva is unique in its setting and atmosphere, creating an entirely fresh challenge for riders and horses alike.

ROLEX GRAND PRIX

CHI Geneva builds to a climax on Sunday 11 December with the Rolex Grand Prix, one of the three Majors that together form equestrian sport’s most sought-after award, the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

As one of the most renowned competitions in the show jumping season, winning the Rolex Grand Prix at the Palexpo stadium in Geneva will require supreme courage and immaculate timing. With an imposing course set to defy the world’s foremost riders, an enthusiastic and appreciative crowd creates a cacophony of noise to complete an atmosphere unparalleled in equestrian sport.

SCOTT BRASH EYEING HISTORY

To date Scott Brash is the only winner of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, the sport’s greatest prize. By winning the three equestrian Majors in succession in 2015, a feat even more impressive considering it was achieved on the same horse, Brash secured his place in equestrian sport’s illustrious hall of fame.

After winning the 2016 CP ‘International’, presented by Rolex, in Spruce Meadows, Brash arrives to Geneva as the live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam, once again in a position to take home the ultimate prize. He will need to demonstrate passion, determination and exceptional performance to continue his quest towards a second Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping title.

“To win the three equestrian Majors back to back, and accomplish a second Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping title, would be incredible. It’s what every rider wants to be a part of. I am delighted to be back on track and am looking forward to attempting to take the next chapter in this extraordinary challenge.”

Having triumphed in 2014 aboard Hello Sanctos, Brash knows exactly what is required to win CHI Geneva, putting him in an excellent position to compete against his fellow equestrian elite.

ROLEX TESTIMONEES SUCCESS AT CHI GENEVA

The last three victors in the Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva have all been Rolex Testimonees, underlying the exceptional talent of this group of supreme athletes.

Steve Guerdat has enjoyed the most successful record at CHI Geneva, winning the title in 2006, 2013, and most recently in 2015. The Swiss favorite will be looking to return in 2016 and contend for his fourth title. The champion equestrian athlete will be riding Nino des Buissonnets, in what will be the gelding’s last competitive appearance and third CHI Geneva title if the pair win. It seems only fitting that Guerdat will be retiring his prize horse at his home show.

The 2008 champion, Eric Lamaze, will be looking to add a second Geneva title to his extensive list of titles when he enters the Palexpo arena riding Fine Lady 5.

Kevin Staut, who was victorious in 2010’s jump-off, and Great Britain’s Scott Brash complete the list of Rolex Testimonees who have triumphed at the world’s premier indoor equestrian show.

Winning his first ever Rolex Grand Prix at Geneva aboard Voyeur would be a superb way for Kent Farrington, current world number four, to complete a victorious 2016 season in which he won Team silver at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, arguably Germany’s greatest show jumper of all time, has one of the finest equestrian resumes in history and with the Rolex Grand Prix missing off that impressive list she will be hoping to make amends riding her gelding Fibonacci 17.

The newest Rolex Testimonees, Jeroen Dubbeldam riding SFN Zenith N.O.P., and Bertram Allen, will also be vying to win their first Rolex Grand Prix at Geneva, adding to their long list of equestrian accomplishments.

ROLEX IJRC TOP 10 FINAL

The Rolex International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) Top 10 Final is one of the highlights of the CHI Geneva programme. Held on Friday 9 December 2016, this exciting competition brings together the world’s best horse and rider partnerships in one of the most prestigious classes in the global equestrian calendar.

With only the world’s Top 10 ranked riders invited to participate, the roster of the Top 10 Final is unrivalled in world equestrian sport. Winning the coveted title requires impeccable precision and timing.

Rolex Testimonee and defending champion Kent Farrington will return to CHI Geneva to defend his Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final crown, having enjoyed an immaculate year that included helping Team USA to silver at the Rio Olympic Games.

Alongside Kent Farrington, Rolex Testimonees Eric Lamaze, Steve Guerdat and Kevin Staut have also qualified to compete in the 2016 Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final. Rolex has proudly supported the IJRC Top 10 Final since it’s inauguration in 2001 and five of its equestrian Testimonees have claimed the sought-after trophy: Rodrigo Pessoa (2003 and 2005), Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (2004 and 2006), Steve Guerdat (2010), Scott Brash (2014) and Kent Farrington in 2015.

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Highlights Film from the Rolex Grand Prix and the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final at CHI Geneva

Re-Live the Excitement of the World’s Leading Indoor Show Jumping Event

The Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva is one of the three Majors that forms the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, and is the most prestigious indoor grand prix on the international equestrian circuit. CHI Geneva is also host to the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final, the only show jumping competition that invites the world’s Top 10 riders to compete over two rounds at the end of year finale.

Re-live the excitement of the four days of competition at the world’s leading indoor show jumping event, and watch Rolex Testimonees Steve Guerdat and Kent Farrington win the prestigious Rolex Grand Prix and Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final titles, respectively.

Please find below a short copyright free news film, presented by Rolex:

YouTube link

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Steve Guerdat Displays Precision Timing to Win Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva

Steve Guerdat and Nino Des Buissonnets. ©Rolex/Kit Houghton.

13 December 2015, CHI Geneva, Switzerland – The world of international show jumping reached its season climax at the greatest indoor show – CHI Geneva. Staged over four days, the show built to its peak today with the Rolex Grand Prix, one of the three Majors that comprise show jumping’s ultimate prize – the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

Roared on by the near 9,500 spectators packed into the world-famous Geneva Palexpo Arena, Swiss hero Steve Guerdat riding his champion horse Nino Des Buissonnets, demonstrated their impeccable partnership, exceptional skill and perfect timing to win the Rolex Grand Prix in dramatic style for a impressive third time.

NEW ROLEX GRAND SLAM CONTENDER

16 riders made it through the challenging first round course into the jump-off. Guerdat was ninth to go, chasing an incredibly fast time of 41.45 seconds set by Rolex Testimonee Eric Lamaze from Canada. Steve Guerdat knew he had to be fast, and as he entered the arena the Swiss fans went wild. The crowd then hushed and held its breath as Guerdat expertly guided Nino around the course with a new time of 40.94 secs taking him into first place ahead of Lamaze. With seven more riders still to follow to try and beat his time, Guerdat could only watch on. France’s Simon Delestre held nothing back and came within a breathtaking 0.03 seconds of Guerdat’s time.

It was then left to fellow Rolex Testimonee, Kent Farrington from the USA, to beat Guerdat. Typically, Farrington gave it everything and went clear, but his time of 41.47 was not quite fast enough on this occasion. Having already written his name into the history books, Scott Brash from Great Britain, riding Hello Sanctos, came to CHI Geneva as the first, and so far only, rider to succeed in completing the extraordinary feat of winning the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping: he won the three Majors of the year – the Rolex Grands Prix of CHI Geneva 2014, Switzerland; CHIO Aachen 2015, Germany; and the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ 2015, Canada.

Unfortunately it was not to be his day this time around, as Rolex Testimonee Brash just clipped fence 11 in the first round, taking him out of the competition. So a new cycle of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping has now began at CHI Geneva 2015, with Steve Guerdat – who must now win all three Majors in succession to claim the biggest challenge in the history of the equestrian sport.

Steve Guerdat said: “The beginning of the jump-off was a little bit difficult for me and Nino, but he is a special horse – he is a genius. The rest of the jump-off went like we planned and I am really happy with the result. This show is really, really important for me. I always plan it as it is one of the main weekends in the year for me – for me it is not just another show so I try to plan in long in advance and come with fresh horses like it was a Championship for me – the crowd always helps me and luck must do the rest.”

ROLEX GRAND PRIX QUALIFICATION

After four qualifying classes at CHI Geneva, 40 of the world’s best horse and rider partnerships secured themselves a place in the Rolex Grand Prix. Staged over two courses, the riders had to memorize the layout and route of two of the hardest 5* Grand Prix courses in the world. Every second counts in order to take them to victory with the challenge of having to clear 26 fences over the two courses covering a total of 770 meters, and completing the first course within just 71 seconds.

ESTEEMED INTERNATIONAL RIDERS

The roll-call of riders in the Rolex Grand Prix was a truly star-studded cast, with riders travelling from 18 different countries. These included some of the world’s top current riders: the reigning double World and European Champion, Jeroen Dubbeldam from the Netherlands; Daniel Bluman from Columbia; and Lauren Hough from USA.

The Rolex family of equestrian Testimonees was well represented with six riders qualifying for the Rolex Grand Prix. These included Kevin Staut; Rolex’s youngest Testimonee, Bertram Allen; Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping winner Scott Brash; Eric Lamaze; Kent Farrington; and the new 2015 CHI Geneva Rolex Grand Prix winner Steve Guerdat.

All eyes now turn to CHIO Aachen in July 2016 for the next leg of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – the sport looks to Guerdat to see if he can now continue on where he left his journey after winning the CHI Geneva Rolex Grand Prix in 2013 to write himself into the history books once more.

2015 CHI GENEVA ROLEX GRAND PRIX RESULTS

1. Steve Guerdat (SUI), riding Nino Des Buissonnets, 40.94 secs
2. Simon Delestre (FRA), riding Qlassic Bois Margot, 40.97 secs
3. Eric Lamaze (CAN), riding Fine Lady 5, 41.45 secs
4. Kent Farrington (USA), riding Voyeur, 41.47 secs
5. Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA), riding Admara, 42.01 secs

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Kent Farrington Wins Thrilling Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final at CHI Geneva

Kent Farrington Riding Voyeur ©Rolex/Kit Houghton.

11 December 2015, CHI Geneva Switzerland – When the Top 10 riders in the world gather under one roof to battle it out to be crowned champion, excitement, tension and world-class competition are guaranteed. The crowds watching the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final at CHI Geneva were privileged to have experienced a thrilling encounter in this year’s competition, with Rolex Testimonee Kent Farrington riding the wonderful Voyeur, racing to the top of the podium and taking his first ever win in the competition.

Speed and accuracy are essential to winning the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final. Staged over two rounds with no jump-off, and with eight riders taking a clear into the final round, expectation was high that the final round would produce a classic in this, the fifteenth edition and the eleventh time that it has been staged at CHI Geneva.

Second round clears were proving hard to find until Kent Farrington and Voyeur came into the arena. Living up to their deserved reputation as one of the fastest partnerships on the circuit, they sped around the course whilst the crowd held their collective breath, and laid down a lightning fast 37.54 second round; it looked difficult to beat. Both Simon Delestre and Daniel Deusser followed Farrington onto the course and although both succeeded in going clear, they simply could not match Farrington’s time. It was left to the final two riders, Rolex Testimonees Bertram Allen, the youngest rider to ever compete in the Final at just 20 years old, and the 2014 winner, Scott Brash, to challenge Farrington. Valiant in their efforts, not even the combined athleticism of equine superstars Molly Malone and Hello Sanctos could match Voyeur, and Farrington was crowned the winner in only his second time of competing.

Speaking after his victory, Kent Farrington said, “My horse was amazing today; I had to go early in the second round and I knew that some of the fastest riders were coming after me. This is a great way to start off with Voyeur at the show ahead of the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday. My horse has been on form so I hope he continues for the weekend.”

The Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final was started in 2001 by the International Jumping Riders Club and similar to the ATP Finals in tennis, is the only competition that rewards consistency throughout the season, by inviting the top 10 highest-ranked riders in the world to go head-to-head over two rounds of jumping. The competition has been won by several of the greatest names in the sport, including Rolex Testimonees Rodrigo Pessoa and Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum. Kent Farrington now joins this group of legendary names engraved on the exclusive winner’s trophy.

All eyes now turn to Sunday and the Rolex Grand Prix, where one rider will start his or her journey towards emulating Scott Brash in winning their first stage of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

The results of the 15th Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final:

1st Kent Farrington (USA), riding Voyeur
2nd Simon Delestre (FRA), riding Hermes Ryan
3rd Daniel Deusser (GER), riding First Class van Eeckelghem
4th Christian Ahlmann (GER), riding Codex One
5th Penelope Leprevost (FRA), riding Flora De Mariposa
6th Scott Brash (GBR), riding Hello Sanctos
7th Bertram Allen (IRL), riding Molly Malone
8th Gregory Wathelet (BEL), riding Algorhythem
9th Luciana Diniz (POR), riding Fit For Fun
10th Ludger Beerbaum (GER), riding Chaman

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World’s Most Decorated Riders Anticipate 55th Edition of CHI Geneva

03 December 2015, CHI Geneva, Switzerland – The high-stakes world of international show jumping moves around the globe from one glamorous location to another until it reaches a climax in December at the end-of-season CHI Geneva, Switzerland. From 10-13 December 2015, the world’s elite horse and rider pairs will gather for this world-renowned indoor show, which dates back to 1926 and for which Rolex has been a presenting partner since 1996.

The event plays host to two of the sport’s greatest contests: the Rolex International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) Top 10 Final, and the Rolex Grand Prix. In April 2013, the CHI Geneva formed an alliance with CHIO Aachen and the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’, joining forces to create the esteemed Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

ROLEX IJRC TOP 10 FINAL

The Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final, held on Friday 11 December 2015, is one of the most thrilling and intensely competitive classes of the year. The top-10 highest-ranked riders in the world for 2015 are invited to go head-to-head. Only an athlete who has shown consistently brilliant form all year will qualify to compete for the coveted title.

This year three Rolex equestrian Testimonees have qualified for the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final: Great Britain’s Scott Brash, Ireland’s Bertram Allen, and the USA’s Kent Farrington. While Brash will be aiming to retain his 2014 title, this will be the first time Allen has competed, whilst Farrington returns for his second attempt to claim the trophy.

Rolex has supported the IJRC Top 10 Final since its inauguration in 2001, and several of its equestrian Testimonees have won this prestigious title – Rodrigo Pessoa (2003 and 2005), Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (2004 and 2006), Steve Guerdat (2010), and Scott Brash (2014).

ROLEX GRAND PRIX

The show builds to a peak on Sunday 13 December with the Rolex Grand Prix, one of the three Majors that comprise show jumping’s greatest prize – the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

The Rolex Grand Prix is the most prestigious competition of the winter season, taking place in front of knowledgeable and enthusiastic spectators. With formidable courses guaranteed, winning will require the utmost courage, perfect timing and exquisite skill from each horse and rider pair.

A NEW GRAND SLAM CHAPTER COMMENCES

In Geneva this December the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping torch will be lit once more. Whoever wins the show’s feature class – the Rolex Grand Prix – will have the chance to carry that torch forward and establish their own opportunity to make history and become equestrian legends as Scott Brash and Hello Sanctos have so memorably done this year after winning all three Rolex Grand Slam Majors in a row.

If an athlete can harness physical talent, an exceptional work ethic and the right support system, he or she can then aspire to be the best. As the 2015 show jumping year comes full circle, Scott Brash can reflect on a remarkable 12 months. At CHI Geneva in 2014, the young British rider launched himself on a journey that seemed almost impossible: to win his sport’s greatest prize – the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. He would have to triumph in the three Majors of the year – the Rolex Grands Prix of CHI Geneva, Switzerland; CHIO Aachen, Germany; and the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’, Canada. It had never been done, but with brilliance, bravery and true horsemanship, Brash and his incomparable equine partner, Hello Sanctos, conquered this extraordinary challenge, and will forever be immortalized as legends of show jumping.

ROLEX TESTIMONEES AT CHI GENEVA

The exclusive group of supreme athletes who can call themselves Rolex equestrian Testimonees has a tremendous record at CHI Geneva – Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat, Canada’s Eric Lamaze, and France’s Kevin Staut have all won the Rolex Grand Prix at Geneva’s Palexpo in recent years. Guerdat will be aiming for his third Rolex Grand Prix victory, after taking the honours in 2006 and 2013 aboard Jalisca Solier and Nino des Buissonnets, respectively. Similarly, Lamaze, who with the late, great Hickstead fought off stiff competition from fellow Rolex Testimonee, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, to take 2008’s crown, and Staut, who effortlessly guided his mare, Silvana de Hus, around the arena to win 2010’s jump-off, will each be hoping to add a second Rolex Grand Prix win to their already impressive list of top-level triumphs.

Kent Farrington, currently number two in the world rankings, and USA’s highest ranked male rider, will be hoping to claim his first CHI Geneva Rolex Grand Prix victory.

Rolex’s newest Testimonee, Scott Brash, will be competing at CHI Geneva in an effort to not only retain his 2014 Rolex Grand Prix title, but also to launch his quest for an unimaginable second Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping accolade.

Brash commented, “I’ve ridden at CHI Geneva for the past two years and it’s definitely my favourite indoor show of the year. The arena is big, the atmosphere is great, and I just love riding there. All the top riders want to compete there; the event gathers the very best horse and rider pairs worldwide.”

One of Germany’s most successful show jumpers, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, will be competing for supremacy at Geneva with Fibonacci 17. Michaels-Beerbaum has been having an excellent year with her equine star, whom she rode at the European Jumping Championships in Aachen in August 2015.

Rolex’s youngest Testimonee, Bertram Allen, will be hungry for a major victory to end what has been a promising year for the rising athlete. The 20-year-old competed in last year’s Rolex Grand Prix for the first time, and he hopes that the experience gained will set him in good stead this time around.

ROLEX GRAND PRIX PAST WINNERS

2014 Scott Brash (GBR), Hello Sanctos
2013 Steve Guerdat (SUI), Nino des Buissonnets
2012 Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS), Itôt du Château
2011 Alvaro de Miranda (BRA), AD Ashleigh Drossel Dan
2010 Kevin Staut (FRA), Silvana de Hus
2008 Eric Lamaze (CAN), Hickstead
2007 Ludger Beerbaum (GER), All Inclusive NRW
2006 Steve Guerdat (SUI), Jalisca Solier
2005 Thomas Frühmann (AUT), The Sixth Sense

ROLEX IJRC TOP 10 FINAL PAST WINNERS

2014 Scott Brash (GBR), Hello Sanctos (Geneva)
2013   Daniel Deusser (GER), Evita van de Veldbalie (Stockholm)
2012   Christian Ahlmann (GER), Taloubet Z, (Geneva)
2011   Billy Twomey (IRE), Tinka’s Serenade, (Paris)
2010   Steve Guerdat (SUI), Jalisca Solier, (Geneva)
2009   Marcus Ehning (GER), Plot Blue, (Paris)
2008   Michel Robert (FRA), Kellemoi de Pepita, (Brussels)
2007   Jessica Kürten (IRE), Castle Forbes Libertina, (Geneva)
2006   Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER), Shutterfly, (Geneva)
2005   Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA), Baloubet du Rouet, (Geneva)

*Names in bold denote Rolex equestrian Testimonees

ROLEX EQUESTRIANISM PRESS ROOM
https://pressroom.rolex.com/en/sports-and-culture/partnership-activities/rolex-and-equestrianism/rolex-and-equestrianism.html

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CHI Geneva Again Number 1 in the World

Geneva, Switzerland, 9 November 2015 – The Concours Hippique International de Genève (CHI) has been voted the world’s best show-jumping event for the 7th time. This distinction has been awarded by the Année Hippique and the International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC). A just recognition for the almost 30-strong organisation committee and around 700 volunteers, without whom the event quite simply could not take place.

For the 7th time, the title of best show-jumping event in the world has gone to CHI Geneva. Both riders and the public had a vote, so this choice rewards the efforts of the committee and its volunteers for staging a quality event that riders and spectators alike appreciate.

In addition to Geneva for show jumping, Aachen (Germany) has again been paid tribute for dressage, along with the eventing of Luhmühlen (Germany), organiser of one of the five top (4-star) events in the world. As for the riders, the title of best eventing rider goes to the German rider Ingrid Klimke, and Carl Hester from Britain gets gold in dressage. In the show jumping category, Olympic champion Steve Guerdat, winner of the 2015 World Cup in Las Vegas, has been voted best rider.

The award ceremony takes place at Palexpo on Saturday, 12 December at 2pm. This largest indoor arena in the world is where the committee and volunteers of CHI Geneva will receive their prize. The German organisers of Aachen and Luhmühlen will also be present, as will Steve Guerdat.

For any additional information:
Corinne Druey, Press Officer
0041 21 312 82 22

World Number One Scott Brash Wins Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland, 14 December 2014 – In sport, legends are created by repeated success at the very highest level. The remarkable Scott Brash today proved why he is the very best that equestrian sport has seen in a long time, when he won the third equestrian Major of the year, the Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva. Brash adds this title to his Rolex Top 10 Final victory, which he claimed less than 48 hours earlier.

Riding the majestic Hello Sanctos, on whom he has enjoyed huge success in 2014, Brash was one of 12 riders who went through to the jump-off from the original 40 on the start list.

The first four into the ring all produced a clear second round, and it quickly became obvious that it was going to take a very special performance to take the Rolex Grand Prix title. But, as he has proved all year, Brash thrives on tough challenges.

He was the sixth rider to enter the huge arena at the Palexpo and, when he left it, he had yet again produced a fast, clear round that was to become the benchmark for the remaining six riders to attempt to better. Dismounted and pacing the warm-up ring in the company of Hello Santos’ owners, Brash had to go through the nerve wracking experience of watching his fellow riders try and better his jump-off time of 35.69 seconds.

Brash’s time remained relatively safe until France’s Roger Yves Bost entered the arena, clearly with every intent to put everything on the line to challenge for the title. The crowd was hushed but the atmosphere crackled, as Qoud’Coeur de la Loge seemed to fly around the course. But their final time, 35.94 seconds, was still not quick enough, and when the final rider brought one pole down, the Rolex title belonged to Brash.

Speaking about the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, Scott Brash said, “I think you have to make it your aim once you win one leg, because what Rolex has done in putting sponsorship up for these shows is just incredible and it’s kept our sport at a high, high level and raised our sport even more. So I think with that goal in mind, anyone who wins one leg will be targeting the next leg.”

Winning a Major defines a sportsman’s career, and the Rolex Grand Prix, the third stage of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, is one of the most difficult titles to claim. Brash now becomes the live contender and travels to Aachen in May 2015 to attempt to win his second title in the cycle, and claim the €1m bonus on offer to any rider who can win the Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen, Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ and CHI Geneva.

CHI Geneva is renowned within the equestrian community for its giant arena, which is at least twice the size of any other indoor venue, and the popularity of the show has never been higher, with the huge grandstands completely sold-out for the Rolex Grand Prix. Forty of the world’s greatest riders travelled to Geneva to challenge for the title, including Rolex Testimonees Kent Farrington, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, Kevin Staut, and last year’s winner, Steve Guerdat but, in the end, they were left to dream at what might have been as Brash dominated once again.

Alban Poudret, the Sport Director at CHI Geneva, said, “It is a great gift, when the public is here and when the public love it; that really is the best gift for all our efforts. Yesterday evening for the first indoor cross-country the public was incredible and during the Rolex Top 10 Final, and Rolex Grand Prix we thought that we were at a Championship. At CHI Geneva, we are emotional and passionate, and we do it with our heart for the passion of the sport, and for the friendship between all of us and we share this friendship with the riders.

“It is important to have a colourful show with different type of competitions, not something with too much format. There are too many shows that are the same and here we are happy when we see riders that understand that all the 700 volunteers pay such attention to detail to make such a great sporting feast.”

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping now takes a break until May 2015, when the Rolex Grand Prix will be staged during the weekend of 30-31 May at Aachen.

Official Quotes and Audio

To download transcribed quotes and audio interviews with the Top Three riders, please click here: http://po.st/93HYOY.

Rolex Equestrian Films

To celebrate the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, Rolex has created a number of films featuring its equestrian Testimonees. To view these films, please click here.

Websites

www.rolex.com
www.rolexgrandslam.com

Revolution Sports + Entertainment
Rod Kohler
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Rolex Presents CHI Geneva, the Third Equestrian Major of 2014

Geneva, Switzerland, 11-14 December 2014 – The mark of a truly global sport is that it never sleeps. As the international tennis circuit moves around the world and from outdoor to indoor tournaments, so does the demanding world of top-level Show Jumping.

It builds to an annual peak at CHI Geneva. The Swiss indoor show, situated in Rolex’s beautiful home city, is regularly voted by the sport’s greatest riders as the best in the world. All of them will strive to compete in Geneva from 11-14 December. It has a long and distinguished history, having regularly attracted the finest horses and riders since its inception in 1926, and its proximity to Christmas gives CHI Geneva a particularly special atmosphere.

The show’s highlight is always the Rolex Grand Prix, this year being staged on Sunday 14 December. Rolex has been a presenting partner of CHI Geneva since 1996, and the grandstands will be packed with excited, passionate spectators for this intensely competitive class.

The Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva also forms the third stage of the thrilling Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, giving the show the status of one of the sport’s three “Majors”.

This unique competition, established as Show Jumping’s ultimate challenge, travels the world from Aachen in Germany to Spruce Meadows in Canada before concluding in Geneva.

An added highlight of CHI Geneva 2014 is the return of the Rolex International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) Top 10 Final. This is elite sport at its finest: just the Top 10 ranked riders of 2014 battling it out to be named number one in the world.

There will also be a CHI Geneva first in the form of an indoor Cross Country class presented by Rolex, with Peter Hasenböhler in charge of designing the course and extending the main arena to include the adjacent training paddock. Along with former World Champion Michael Jung, there will be a host of other notable international event riders taking part in this innovative competition.

ROLEX TESTIMONEES AT CHI GENEVA

In recent years, winners of the Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva have often come from the superb group of equestrian athletes who form Rolex’s equestrian Testimonees.

Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat was last year’s winner on his 2012 Olympic gold medal winning horse Nino Des Buissonets and the pair have set their sights on a third triumph in Geneva.

“Geneva is at the very heart of our sport. You feel like a star when you go into the ring, this is the place where you want to leave the arena as a winner.”

In 2010, Kevin Staut took the Rolex Grand Prix for France on the great Silvana HDC, and two years earlier Canada’s Eric Lamaze won on the incomparable Hickstead, the horse he rode to win Olympic gold in 2008.

Three-time winner of the World Cup Final, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Kent Farrington, the most recent addition to the Rolex family, will be looking to make their mark on the show. Meredith has competed many times in Geneva and her exciting new ride, Fibonacci, could be a serious contender in the Rolex Grand Prix this year. Likewise, Kent Farrington will be looking to round off an impressive 2014 with victory in Geneva.

Steve Guerdat was just 24 when he won the class on Jalisca Solier in 2006. But the most successful Rolex Testimonee at CHI Geneva has been Brazil’s Rodrigo Pessoa, who has claimed the title four times so far – in 1993 on Loro Piana Special Envoy, in 2000 on Gandini Lianos, and in 2002 and 2004 on Baloubet Du Rouet.

ROLEX GRAND SLAM OF SHOW JUMPING

The chance to be crowned Rolex champion is, without doubt, a dream for any rider. Ian Millar, 67, has achieved the extraordinary accolade of having competed in 10 Olympic Games for Canada, and was an extremely popular winner of the Spruce Meadows leg of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping in September 2014. Alas, Millar is unable to attend CHI Geneva this year in his quest to defend his Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping title and so a new Champion will be crowned.

ROLEX’S EQUESTRIAN HERITAGE

Rolex’s support of Show Jumping reaches back more than 50 years. The leading watch-making brand’s long and intimate association with equestrianism shows its appreciation of a world in which fair play, horsemanship and tradition underline great ability, precision and achievement.

Rolex’s first equestrian Testimonee was Pat Smythe, with whom the company formed an alliance in 1957. She was the greatest female Show Jumper ever to represent Britain, and since then Rolex has supported riders in the three Olympic disciplines of Show Jumping, Eventing and Dressage who demonstrate the same brilliant qualities and whose sportsmanship and high standards make them the leaders of their sport.

To view an exclusive preview film ahead of the CHI Geneva show, please click here.

www.rolex.com
www.rolexgrandslam.com
equestrianismpressroom.rolex.com

Don’t Miss the Rolex Grand Slam of Jumping from CHI Geneva Today on NBC!

The Rolex Grand Slam of Jumping will air today on NBC at 4 pm EST. Don’t miss this incredible show jumping event featuring the best riders in the world.

The Rolex Grand Slam of Jumping is the ultimate equestrian challenge, a series of three show jumping events at the best venues in the world. The final event in 2013 was the CHI Geneva with the Rolex Grand Prix.

Tune in at 4 pm to see who captured this year’s Rolex Grand Prix and who is in line to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Jumping!

Equestrian Sport Productions
info@equestriansport.com
561.793.5867
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Steve Guerdat Wins the Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva

Steve Guerdat (SUI) and Nino des Buissonnets, winner of the Rolex Grand Prix, Geneva 2013 © Rolex/Kit Houghton.

New Live Contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping

Geneva, Switzerland 15 December 2013, In front of a huge crowd of over 9,500 fans, Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat riding the great Nino des Buissonnets, today won the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva, and becomes the live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

Each time he entered the arena, the Swiss crowd greeted Rolex Testimonee Guerdat with wave after wave of cheers, which at one stage seemed to rock the foundations of the huge Palexpo Arena. He was one of 10 riders to make it through to the jump-off and, fourth to go, his time of 43.26 seconds was only briefly threatened by the World No. 1 Scott Brash (GBR), who produced a second clear round just 0.32 seconds behind Guerdat.

“I get a little scared sometimes on what is going to be next and how I am ever going to be able to give to the fans who have already had so much success with me here over the years. But every year I come back and something new happens and some bigger wins and it just feels amazing!” said a delighted Guerdat.

“Nino has won so much already since the Olympics – he is not jumping a lot but every time he goes out he is in the top and again today. He is just in a class of his own,” continued Guerdat.

At one stage it looked as though Belgium’s Peter Devos, riding Candy, could make it a ‘double’ by winning a second leg of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – he was the ‘live’ contender having won the CN International presented by Rolex, at Spruce Meadows in September. Having gone clear in the first round he went into the jump-off showing good form, but two poles down and eight faults put paid to his chances of taking the Rolex Grand Prix title.

It was a truly exciting Rolex Grand Prix, with 10 superb spectacular clears around the 14 fence course. The first clear came from the Rolex Grand Prix winner at Calgary – Pieter Devos and Candy. Athina Onassis Miranda (GRE) rode a brilliant round, but was very unlucky to get one time fault on AD Camille Z. Her husband Alvaro de Miranda (BRA) was next into the arena and rode a great clear, followed by Hans-Dieter Dreher (GER) who also left the ring on a clean sheet on the stunning Embassy II. Then followed seven more riders with clear rounds; Luciana Diniz (POR), Gerco Schröder (NED), Simon Delestre (FRA), Scott Brash, Kevin Staut (FRA) and Patrice Delaveau (FRA).

The 2013 CHI Geneva has been the most successful in the show’s long history with over 40,000 spectators packing into the Palexpo over the four days to watch the some of the world’s best riders including Rolex Testimonees Kevin Staut, Eric Lamaze, Meredith Michaesl-Beerbaum and Rodrigo Pessoa compete at the highest level of the sport.

Alban Poudret, Sports Director for CHI Geneva, commented: “It is like a dream; we are flying at the Palexpo Arena. For us, always when Steve wins, it’s a big gift, because he is the rider of the show. But this year it was something special you know with the Rolex Grand Slam and more pressure for us, more pressure for Steve, for everybody. To have him winning, it’s really a dream come true, but I think he is even better when he has big pressure. He has won eight major Grands Prix in Geneva in nine years; it’s incredible. Nobody did that. The bigger the pressure, the better he is!”

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping now takes a break until CHIO Aachen from 11-20 July 2014, but Rolex continues to support the sport at the highest level and will be the Official Timepiece at the 12-week Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida from 9 January to 31 March 2014, and also at Indoor Brabant from 20 to 23 March 2014.

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping features three of the world’s greatest equestrian shows – the CHIO Aachen, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament and CHI Geneva – and is the first global initiative to reward the outstanding rider who wins the Grand Prix at each show in succession. The winner of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping will be rewarded with a €1 million bonus prize.

For details of the final placings in the CHI Geneva Rolex Grand Prix, please click: http://results.scgvisual.com/2013/geneve/r21.html.

Websites:
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www.rolexgrandslam.com

Rolex Equestrianism Press Room:
equestrianismpressroom.rolex.com

Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – The Rules

The rules of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping are simple: any rider that wins the Grand Prix at each of the three shows consecutively will receive €1m on top of the prize-money for each show’s Grand Prix. Moreover, any rider that wins two out of the three show’s Grands Prix will also receive a bonus.

If the Grands Prix at two shows are won in succession, the bonus will be €500,000. If a rider is successful in qualifying for the “two out of three mode”, but doesn’t claim the victories at two consecutive shows’ Grands Prix, the bonus will be €250,000. It is only the rider that counts, not the horse i.e. it is possible to claim the bonus riding different horses. This system is infinite; it is not limited to a calendar year.

Three wins in a row – €1,000,000
Two wins in a row – €500,000
Two wins out of three (not consecutively) – €250,000

Revolution Sports + Entertainment
Rod Kohler
rod@revolutionsports.co.uk
+44 7770 647 662

Niels Knippertz
press@rolexgrandslam.com
+49 241 9171 180