Farrington Triumphs at CHI Geneva to Claim Third Rolex Grand Slam Major Victory
Photo: © Rolex Grand Slam / Sofya SK
The Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva 2025 provided a thrilling climax to the 64th edition of this iconic show, with 40 of the world’s top riders from 12 nations contesting the final Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major of the season. Among them were 12 previous Rolex Grand Slam Major winners, including household names such as Steve Guerdat, Christian Ahlmann, Harrie Smolders, Kent Farrington, and Scott Brash.
The first round, designed by Gérard Lachat, tested the riders’ precision and composure over 14 challenging obstacles at a height of 1.60m. Italy’s Piergiorgio Bucci set the early pace, going clear in 71.51 seconds. He was joined by Shane Sweetnam, France’s Marc Dilasser, Swiss rider Jason Smith, Kent Farrington, Belgian Thibeau Spits, and the German duo of Sophie Hinners and Christian Ahlmann, meaning a total of eight riders advanced to the jump-off, which featured eight obstacles. Live contender Scott Brash put two fences down, guaranteeing a new Live Contender for the Rolex Grand Prix title as the jump-off line-up took shape.
The jump-off delivered edge-of-the-seat drama. Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam and his grey gelding James Kann Cruz set the standard with a double clear in 41.39 seconds, followed by Switzerland’s Jason Smith and his stallion Picobello Van’t Roosakker, thrilling the home crowd. The pace then intensified as Kent Farrington produced a blistering clear round aboard his grey mare Greya, stopping the clock in a sensational 40.04 seconds, thereby knocking Sweetnam off top spot. Belgian Thibeau Spits and Germany’s Sophie Hinners also went double clear, but both finished over two seconds slower than Farrington. Last to go, Christian Ahlmann put down an early fence, handing victory – and the Rolex Grand Slam Live Contender title – to Farrington.
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