Tag Archives: CHIO Aachen

Competitions, Show Jumping

New Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Live Contender, CHIO Aachen

Andre Thieme riding DSP Chakaria ©Rolex/Lindsay Brock

Geneva, 8 July 2024 – The Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen was won by André Thieme from Germany riding DSP Chakaria, ahead of McLain Ward and Richard Vogel in second and third, respectively.

The Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen is known for requiring extraordinary levels of precision, athleticism, and courage to meet the challenge presented over three rounds at the famous venue, qualities which Thieme demonstrated in abundance.

Of the 40 starters, the top 18 went through to a second round, with just four jumping double clear to progress to the final jump-off. America’s McLain Ward set the pace as the first to go in the jump-off, setting an impressive target with a clear round in a time of 41.02 seconds. Next into the imposing Aachen arena, Martin Fuchs – a three-time former Major winner – with his talented grey gelding Leone Jei, finished on a score of four faults to put him into eventual fourth place. Thieme followed as third to go, with a stunning performance of speed and accuracy, putting the pressure on his German compatriot, Richard Vogel, as the last remaining rider able to take the victory. Despite a faster time, Vogel accrued four faults at the final fence, leaving Thieme to claim his first Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major.

The CHIO Aachen is one of the four equestrian Majors – alongside The Dutch Masters, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, and the CHI Geneva – that make up the sport’s ultimate prize, the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, which rewards the rider who wins, consecutively, the Grand Prix at three of the sport’s most illustrious events. Thieme will now head to the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament as the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender.

The highlights film can be seen here:

Victoria Carles
Rolex SA
victoria.carles@rolex.com

Merrick Haydon
rEvolution
mhaydon@revolutionworld.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Show Jumping

André Thieme Wins Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen

Photo: Rolex Grand Slam / Ashley Neuhof

The second Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major of the calendar year concluded with a yet another sensational Rolex Grand Prix in front of a capacity crowd of 45,000 people at the CHIO Aachen. This year marked a number of momentous anniversaries for the iconic equestrian venue, as they not only celebrated 100 years of history, but also 25 years with Rolex as the Main Sponsor.

Forty of the world’s best horse and rider combinations, who had qualified for the Rolex Grand Prix over the proceeding days, tackled the Frank Rothenberger-designed course with the hope of adding their names to the coveted list of riders who have been crowned victors of the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen, a venue which is often described as the Wimbledon of the equestrian world. Interestingly, six of the last 10 riders to have won the Rolex Grand Prix have been German, and with over a quarter of the riders representing the home nation, crowds were hoping for yet another German victory.

Held over two rounds, with a jump-off if riders are tied on penalties, the Rolex Grand Prix is a true test of endurance, scope, and talent that requires the highest level of harmony and trust between the horse and rider.

Third to enter the arena, Argentina’s José María Larocca set the standard early with a smooth clear, as did the next rider to take on the expertly designed course, the Rolex Grand Prix reigning champion, Germany’s Marcus Ehning, much to the delight of the home crowd. The current live contender of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, Willem Greve, riding the mount with which he won the Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters, was hoping to do what only two riders have achieved – to win two Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors in row. He was, however, unable to repeat his form from The Netherlands.

With the 18 top riders from the opening round proceeding into the next round, those who could produce a fast-four faults would stay in contention for one of the sport’s most coveted prizes. In total only 9 riders jumped clear in the first round, including Italy’s Lorenzo de Luca, three-time Slam winner Martin Fuchs, and home-favourite Richard Vogel, winner of the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva in December.

Starting in reverse order based on the results from the first round, it was tenth to go, American rider McLain Ward, who jumped the first double clear of the class and put pressure on the remaining eight riders in the second round. Out of those riders, only Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs, Germany’s André Thieme – the individual 2021 FEI Jumping European Champion – and World No. 10 Richard Vogel joined the American as those who would proceed to the jump-off.

Anticipation was heavy in the air in the Aachen Soers arena as McLain Ward cantered into the packed stadium as first in the jump-off. The two-time Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major winner flew around the shortened course clear in a time of 41.02 seconds. Fuchs took almost two seconds off the American’s time; however, it was not meant to be as the penultimate fence fell. The crowds exploded with cheers as Thieme then took the lead in a time of 39.77 seconds, with just one left to go. It looked like last to go, Vogel, would claim his second Major as he crossed the line over one second faster than his compatriot, but it was heartbreak for the young German as the final Rolex vertical fell, leaving Thieme to take the victory.

Speaking on his win, the German commented: “It is every rider’s dream to win the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen, and to have my name on that list, especially as a German, it is incredible. Two years ago, I won the Nations’ Cup here with the team, and that was a lifetime dream, and now this – I think I should retire from competing here at the CHIO Aachen; it does not get better than this. The atmosphere and crowds are unmatched – there is nothing that can compare.”

Speaking on his jump-off, Thieme continued: “I did more strides from fences one to two – I know my horse does not have the biggest stride, but she is very quick on the ground, so I was able to do a very tight turn to the penultimate oxer, and then to the final fence I took the risk – my horse [DSP Chakaria] is a freak; she is incredible!”

© 2024 Rolex – Rolex Grand Slam

Competitions, Show Jumping

Vogel Victorious in Turkish Airlines – Prize of Europe

Photo: Rolex Grand Slam/Ashley Neuhof

Under the dazzling lights of the CHIO Aachen’s iconic main stadium, 45 of the world’s elite horse and rider show jumping combinations entered the arena with the hope of claiming Wednesday’s pinnacle class, the Turkish Airlines – Prize of Europe. The competition also provided the first chance for riders to secure their place in Sunday’s iconic Rolex Grand Prix.

As is often the case at the World Equestrian Festival, the field was truly star-studded and included the current Olympic and European individual Champions of Ben Maher and Steve Guerdat, as well as the current Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender Willem Greve riding the 12-year-old stallion, Highway T.N. N.O.P., with whom he won the Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters earlier in the year.

First to jump clear around the challenging Frank Rothenberger-designed course – which consisted of 14 combinations – was Rene Ditter, but it was not meant to be for the German rider as he picked up two agonising time penalties.

However, fifth to canter into the historic arena, the in-form Christian Kukuk riding Just Be Gentle produced the first clear inside the time, much to the delight of the home crowd. Ireland’s Cian O’Connor quickly followed suit just two horses later to ensure that the passionate crowds at the CHIO Aachen would be treated to a jump-off. Clears came throughout the class with six additional German combinations making it through to the second round, including the 2023 victor of the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva, Richard Vogel. Last year’s winner of this class, Yuri Masur, looked determined to make it back-to-back wins as he produced a faultless round with QH Alfons Santo Antonio, as did the 2022 winner America’s McLain Ward.

Of the initial 45 riders, 12 proceeded to the jump-off and with numerous fast riders in the class, it was set be an exciting one. Riders returned to the arena in reverse order of merit, meaning that Belgium’s Thibeau Spits was first to face the shortened course. The young Belgian rider did not quite have the round he would have wanted as two fences fell. Second into the jump-off, Christian Kukuk, set the standard for the remaining riders with a clear in the time of 48.48 seconds, a time that was quickly usurped by his compatriot Patrick Stühlmeyer.

America’s McLain Ward had the crowd on the edge of their seats as he flew around the course with the 16-year-old mare Callas and took the lead by over two seconds – a time that looked hard to beat. However, next to go, the three-time Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major winner, Guerdat, soon proved it was possible, but heartbreak came when he had the penultimate fence down.

The German crowds then came alive as Richard Vogel and Cepano Baloubet flew around the course in 42.44 seconds to sit in provisional first place. None of the three remaining combinations could match the speed and accuracy of Vogel, meaning that he not only claimed his first Turkish Airlines – Prize of Europe, but his second 5* victory of the day.

Speaking on his victory, the German rider stated: “My horse [Cepano Baloubet] jumped amazingly tonight, and he feels in great shape – he was really fighting for me today. The atmosphere was incredible – with the floodlights and all of the spectators, there is no other feeling quite like jumping here. It has been a dream start to the week!”

© 2024 Rolex – Rolex Grand Slam

Competitions, Show Jumping

Inside the Rolex Grand Slam: Interview with Willem Greve and More

Photo: Rolex Grand Slam/Thomas Lovelock

Interview with Willem Greve

Congratulations! You are the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender. How are you feeling ahead of CHIO Aachen?

It is an honour to be on the list of riders who have won a Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major. It is incredible to ride at the CHIO Aachen, and it would be a dream come true to win there. Of course, there is more pressure and more eyes on us now being the live contender, having won the Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters, but I am trying to just focus on my horses and keep everything the same as before.

Reflecting on your win in the Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters, how special was this victory to you?

At the time I didn’t notice it because you are so focused on your horse and the moment. It was a very emotional win! The crowd was incredible, and the atmosphere was sensational…

Read more here.

Rider Watch – CHIO Aachen 2024

Similarly to how the tennis Grand Slam calendar moves surfaces from clay to grass, so too does the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – from the indoor arenas of the CHI Geneva and The Dutch Masters to the awe-inspiring grass arena at the CHIO Aachen, the next Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major. The show, which often draws comparisons with The Championships, Wimbledon, attracts the finest horse and rider combinations from across the globe – all with the same hope of claiming the prestigious final class, the Rolex Grand Prix.

Dutch rider Willem Greve goes to the CHIO Aachen as the live contender of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Greve made history in March when he became not only the first Dutch rider to win the Rolex Grand Prix [during the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping era] at The Dutch Masters, but also the first Dutch rider to win a Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major. Partnered by the sensational stallion Highway T.N. N.O.P, Greve set the home crowd alight as last to go in the jump-off…

Read more here.

Highlights – CHIO Aachen 2024

From 28 June to 7 July, the CHIO Aachen will welcome the world’s top horse and rider combinations to the iconic Aachen Soers showground for the hundredth time. Since welcoming riders and carriage drivers for the first time in 1924, the CHIO Aachen has been a cornerstone of equestrian sport, and this year’s event promises to be a remarkable tribute to a century of equestrian excellence. The World Equestrian Festival at the CHIO Aachen will showcase five thrilling disciplines: show jumping, dressage, eventing, driving, and vaulting. An electrifying atmosphere is guaranteed as 360,000 spectators will gather over 10 days to witness a new chapter of sporting history unfold.

Following the iconic Opening Ceremony on Tuesday 2 July, Wednesday 3 July will see the start of the 5* show jumping at the CHIO Aachen. The Turkish Airlines-Prize of Europe, held in the evening under floodlights, offers the first opportunity for riders to qualify for the show’s pinnacle class, the Rolex Grand Prix. The excitement will continue the next evening with the Mercedes-Benz Nations’ Cup…

Read more here.

© 2024 Rolex – Rolex Grand Slam

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Show Jumping

Gerrit Nieberg Wins Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen, Becomes New Rolex Grand Slam Live Contender

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Photo: Rolex Grand Slam / Ashley Neuhof.

Bathed in glorious July sunshine, CHIO Aachen’s 40,000 capacity Hauptstadion looked resplendent, as it was once again the venue for the 2022 edition of the Rolex Grand Prix, part of the inimitable Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Comprising 40 starters from 14 nations, including 20 of the world’s top 30-ranked riders, the World Equestrian Festival’s knowledgeable crowd was full of anticipation, ahead of being treated to unparalleled levels of skill and precision from the horse and rider combinations that had qualified for this pinnacle class.

With just the top 18 progressing to the second round, there was little room for error, as the Frank Rothenberger-designed course – consisting of 14 obstacles and 17 efforts – demanded that each pairing was on the very top of their game. Thirteen riders eventually went clear, including on-form McLain Ward, who had his sights firmly set on a hat-trick of victories, having claimed both Wednesday’s and Friday’s showpiece classes. British trio Harry Charles, Scott Brash, and Ben Maher joined the American in round two, alongside five Germans – Gerrit Nieberg, Christian Ahlmann, Daniel Deusser, Mario Stevens, and Philipp Weishaupt – much to the delight of the rapturous home crowd. Five advancing riders picked up penalties in the first round and had it all to do, including three-time Major winner, Steve Guerdat, and Harrie Smolders from The Netherlands.

After a short break, while the 12-obstacle second round course was built, two-time Major winner Philipp Weishaupt got the contest back underway, although an early refusal by his mount Asathir meant there would be no third Major triumph for the German. Eighth to go, America’s McLain Ward and his mount HH Azur was the first combination to go double clear, much to the delight of his team watching on from Aachen’s ‘kiss and cry’ area. Next to go, the current Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Live Contender, Daniel Deusser, and his super mare, Killer Queen Vdm, demonstrated their unwavering talent and ability, recording the contest’s second double clear, thereby triggering a jump-off. The only rider to ever win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, Scott Brash, soon made it three in the jump-off, after he and Hello Jefferson navigated the 17-effort test fault free. It wasn’t to be for Irish duo Conor Swail and Darragh Kenny, Nayal Nasser of Egypt, Kevin Staut, and Great Britain’s Ben Maher, after they all accrued penalties. Penultimate rider to go, Nicola Philippaerts, would become the fourth to contest the jump-off, while last to go, Germany’s Gerrit Nieberg, also booked his place in the final showdown.

McLain Ward kicked off proceedings in the jump-off, but was unlucky to put the final fence down. Next up, Daniel Deusser made no mistake, crossing the finishing line without a fault in 41.60 seconds, thereby setting a tough target for the final three riders to try and beat. If anyone could emulate Deusser’s time, Scott Brash could, the 36-year-old Briton going over two seconds faster. Despite going clear, Nicola Philippaerts’ slightly slower time saw him slot into third spot. Last to go, current world number 106, Gerrit Nieberg, produced the ride of his life abord his 11-year-old bay gelding, Ben 431, crossing the line over half a second quicker than Brash, thereby winning the 2022 edition of CHIO Aachen’s Rolex Grand Prix and in doing so becoming the new Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Live Contender.

On his victory, winning rider Gerrit Nieberg commented: “Everything is still unreal – I really didn’t expect this. Dreams definitely came true today – it was an amazing feeling.”

On the winner, second placed Scott Brash said: “Gerrit did a fantastic round. I knew that there was an inside turn to the double and looked to it when I went in, but I didn’t fancy it and no one else had done it. He [Gerrit] had to do it to win and he did it very well, so all credit to him, and fair play. He rode very, very well and his horse jumped great today.”

On his horse, Hello Jefferson, Brash said: “I’m extremely proud of Jefferson today; he did an amazing job. I couldn’t have asked any more from him. We were beaten by Gerrit who did an unbelievable round.”

On his mare Katanga V/H Dingeshof, third placed Nicola Philippaerts commented: “I’m so proud, you can’t imagine – she’s a very special mare. She gave everything and jumped unbelievably well.”

Read more here.

© 2022 Rolex – Rolex Grand Slam

Competitions, Show Jumping

McLain Ward Wins RWE Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia at CHIO Aachen

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Photo: Rolex Grand Slam / Ashley Neuhof.

Fifty of the world’s best show jumpers and their equine partners contested Friday’s feature jumping class – the RWE Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia – in front of an excited and enthusiastic crowd, which would serve as the final opportunity for riders to qualify for Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix, one of the four Majors which comprises the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

A 1.60m competition featuring a jump-off, the Frank Rothenberger-designed course included 14 obstacles, providing a tough challenge to a line-up that included 1992 Individual Olympic champion, Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum, fellow compatriot and the current Rolex Grand Slam Live Contender, Daniel Deusser, and Swiss maestro Steve Guerdat.

Sixteen combinations eventually navigated the first round fault-free, advancing to the jump-off, which would be contested over a shorter eight-obstacle, but no less demanding, course. The first five riders to go, including Ireland’s Conor Swail and Germany’s Jana Wargers, each picked up one fault; however, sixth to go, Frenchman Nicolas Delmotte, soon broke the trend, going double clear in 42.95 seconds. Delmotte’s clear was shortly emulated by Germany’s Christian Kukuk and Jur Vrieling of The Netherlands, with the latter crossing the line in 42.79 seconds to temporarily take top spot. Vrieling’s lead, however, was short-lived, with current world number 29-ranked rider Steve Guerdat knocking over four tenths off his time.

With two riders to go, including Dutchman Harrie Smolders and McLain Ward from the USA, Guerdat faced an anxious wait, hoping his time would be unbeatable. However, Wednesday’s winner of the Turkish Airlines-Prize of Europe, McLain Ward, and his consistent partner, Contagious, soon demonstrated their harmony and class, knocking Guerdat off top spot, crossing the line in 41.70 seconds to claim the honours.

Delighted with his second win in as many days aboard his 13-year-old chestnut gelding, Ward commented: “I think he’s [Contagious] on really good form and we’re aiming him towards the World Championships; it’s one of the reasons we had this week planned for him, so we’ll stick to our plan and hopefully be able to be in the mix.”

On his partner for Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix, Ward said: “It’s always nice to have a good week, as it gives you confidence. It makes you take a breath and focus. Azur [HH Azur] is older now and I know her very well; she’s my old friend. We’ll just do what we do. I don’t think today or Wednesday has much to do with what’s going to happen on Sunday. We’ll just focus and do the best job we can on the day.”

Read more here.

© 2022 Rolex – Rolex Grand Slam

Competitions, Show Jumping

Inside the Rolex Grand Slam – Road to CHIO Aachen 2022

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(Photo: Rolex / Ashley Neuhof)

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping returns to CHIO Aachen from 24 June – 03 July 2022, with the Rolex Grand Prix on the final Sunday providing a fitting end to two weeks of exceptional sport. Returning to its usual slot between The Dutch Masters and Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’, the event often compared toThe Championships, Wimbledon will welcome 40,000 passionate equestrian spectators back the pristine Aachen Soers showground.

Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – Rider Watch

Daniel Deusser returns to the hallowed grounds as both the live contender of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, following his victory at The Dutch Masters in March, and the defending champion of the Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen. The German, currently ranked World No. 9, brings the talented mare Killer Queen VDM with him to defend their title and continue his conquest to become only the second person to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Deusser will be joined Christian Ahlmann, André Thieme, and Marcus Ehning, among other talented riders.

World No. 1 and winner of the 2021 Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva Martin Fuchs will be looking to claim the non-consecutive bonus for winning two Rolex Grands Prix in a year. The Swiss has had an incredible first half the year securing the FEI World Cup Finals title in April and more recently winning the 5* Swiss Grand Prix. He has strength and depth in his string of horses and will be looking to carry his winning momentum into the main stadium of the Aachen Soers showground. Compatriot Steve Guerdat will also be looking to build on his vast winning experience to claim his first victory in this respected class.

Read more here.

© 2022 Rolex – Rolex Grand Slam

*Featured/Spotlights, Show Jumping

Top Show Jumping Events around the World

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Photo: Leslie Blue.

The world of horse show jumping can be a fascinating adventure to join, but it can also be hard to follow for beginners, with a lot of technique and different events and rules to follow. It’s one of the oldest sports in the history of the world, the hobby of kings of old, and one of the most important Olympic Games equestrian events. Regardless of whether you’re taking your first steps into this world, you’re simply looking to refresh your knowledge, or you’re looking for the best information to make scommesse non aams, here are some of the most important show jumping events around the world.

The Paris Horse Show (France)

Every year, from late November and for ten days, over 150,000 horse aficionados gather in Paris to witness the Paris Horse Show. The show, which combines competition, talks on equine health, behavior and breeding, arts shows, and sales, features everything you’ll want to watch in an equestrian event.

Several competition events take place within it, combining jumping, harness, western, and others, with over 2,000 horses taking part in the different events and competitions. However, the main event for show jumping fans is the Longines Masters de Paris, an international horse jumping event among the most important in the world.

Royal Windsor Horse Show (United Kingdom)

One of the biggest events in the calendar for horse shows in the UK, the Royal Windsor Horse Show was first held in the midst of World War II, in 1943, to raise funds for help those affected, and has been a staple of the season ever since, increasing massively in popularity.

Hosted in the middle of summer (usually around May or June) at the royal residence at Windsor Castle in the English county of Berkshire, it’s the UK’s only international event for show jumping, dressage, and endurance. The highlight of the event is the International Show Jumping, where riders and horses from across the world come to compete in this incredibly prestigious event in front of thousands of people, and oftentimes even the Queen herself.

World Equestrian Festival CHIO Aachen (Germany)

Held every September in the German city of Aachen (once the center of the European world as the capital of Charlemagne), the festival attracts a massive 350,000 people every year who visit and enjoy the best events and competitions for horse lovers across a ten day span.

Being the largest and most visited equestrian event in the world, many refer to it as the “Wimbledon of the horse world”, with a multitude of shows and even a concert presentation in charge of the Aachen Symphony Orchestra. There’s show jumping, dressage, driving, and vaulting competitions, but the jewel of the crown is the Aachen Grand Prix, which takes place on the last day of the festival. Olympic riders and the best horses compete for the first place in this prestigious event, truly one of the biggest events in the world of show jumping.

Competitions, Show Jumping

Inside the Rolex Grand Slam: 2022 Majors Preview

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Photo: Rolex Grand Slam / Ashley Neuhof.

The 2021 show jumping calendar was filled with exceptional entertainment, featuring not only the sport’s most decorated competitors but also welcoming a new generation of future stars who shone brightly at the year’s four Rolex Majors. The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping continues to be at the forefront of every rider’s ambition, none more so than Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs, who starts the year as the Rolex Grand Slam live contender following his stunning victory at CHI Geneva in December.

Opening this year’s Rolex Major season in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands from 11-13 March is The Dutch Masters, the latest addition to the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. The largest indoor show in The Netherlands and one of two indoor shows on the Rolex Grand Slam calendar, The Dutch Masters brings a rich with traditions dating back to 1967. This year, show jumping’s very best riders will descend upon the Brabanthallen for four days of world-class competition, culminating in the Rolex Grand Prix on the show’s final day. Hosting the tightest arena of the four Majors, the trust between horse and rider is more crucial than ever, as the combinations navigate the sharp turns, which give them little room for error. Last year’s winner, Austrian Max Kühner, rose to the occasion alongside his talented 11-year-old gelding, Elektric Blue P, and in doing so claimed his first Major victory.

The second Major of the season, CHIO Aachen – often referred to as the ‘Wimbledon’ of the equestrian world – will once again take place in the North Rhine-Westphalia city in the west of Germany. Dating back to 1924, CHIO Aachen is a show steeped in history and continues to attract more than 350,000 knowledgeable fans across 10 exhilarating days of equestrian sport, which will this year run from 24 June – 3 July. One of the most prestigious competitions on the annual show jumping calendar, CHIO Aachen’s highlight class, the Rolex Grand Prix, takes place on the show’s final day and is the one every rider wants to win, etching their name into equestrian history on the iconic winners’ wall. 2021 saw Germany’s Daniel Deusser and his phenomenal mare, Killer Queen VDM, take home the spoils after fulfilling a lifelong dream to be crowned champion. Hot on Deusser’s heels was the young, up-and-coming American rider, Brian Moggre, who at 20 years old displayed incredible levels of skill and determination to fight off a field of former world number ones and Olympic, World, and European Individual champions to secure second place.

From 7-11 September, attention turns to Calgary in Canada for the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’. With a reputation of being one of the most demanding courses in the world, it takes a very special partnership to be victorious in the CP ‘International’. Steve Guerdat and his 13-year-old gelding Venard de Cerisy epitomised this, producing two precise and fault-free rounds, the only pair to go double clear and ultimately clinch the coveted trophy. The Rolex Grand Slam has fond memories of this Major, as it was here in 2015 that Great Britain’s Scott Brash became the first winner of the revered Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping following a flawless round aboard his legendary gelding, Hello Sanctos, a feat no rider has been able to emulate since.

The Major season culminates in Switzerland when riders return indoors to compete at CHI Geneva. Held from 8-11 December in the Palexpo complex, CHI Geneva is one of the most historic and prestigious international shows and has been voted the world’s best show jumping event a record nine times. Hosting the sport’s most accomplished riders, the Rolex Grand Prix is the highlight of the four days of elite competition. Local hero Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs rode to victory in 2021 with his 10-year-old gelding, Leone Jei, and made history by becoming the first rider of the competition to win consecutive editions after triumphing in 2019.

As the current live contender, Fuchs will be under the spotlight as he prepares to continue his Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping journey at The Dutch Masters. Could 2022 see a new Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping champion crowned?

Read more here.

© 2022 Rolex – Rolex Grand Slam

Competitions, Show Jumping

CHIO Aachen Highlights News Film

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Aachen, Germany, 20 September 2021 – The 2021 Rolex Grand Prix of CHIO Aachen was won by Daniel Deusser riding Killer Queen VDL. Second place went to Brian Moggre and third place to Gregory Wathelet. The German produced a masterful display on the final day of CHIO Aachen to capture the prestigious 5* Grand Prix, and in doing so, becomes the new Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender.

The two-round competition saw 18 riders progress to the second round, 12 through on a zero score. These included Steve Guerdat, riding Venard de Cerisy, fresh from their victory in the previous Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major at CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’, as well as former Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping winner Scott Brash.

Seven horse and rider combinations produced faultless double clear rounds to head into a jump-off. Deusser, the current World No. 1, was first into the arena to face the final test against the clock, setting the pace with a stunning clear in a time of 41.85 seconds. Those to follow were unable to challenge Deusser, either failing to catch his time or amassing jumping faults. American young rider, Brian Moggre, came closest as last to go, putting in an impressive round, just 0.31 seconds slower than Deusser on 42.16, to finish in eventual second.

The Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen is the third of four equestrian Majors in 2021, which together form the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, considered to be the sport’s most demanding challenge. All eyes will now look ahead to the final instalment of the year at CHI Geneva in December.

The highlights film can be seen here:

FINAL RESULTS OF THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX

  1. Daniel Deusser (GER) riding Killer Queen VDM
  2. Brian Moggre (USA) riding Balou du Reventon
  3. Gregory Wathelet (BEL) riding Nevados S
  4. Ben Maher (GBR) riding Explosion W
  5. Laura Kraut (USA) riding Baloutinue
  6. Scott Brash (GBR) riding Hello Jefferson
  7. Jérôme Guery (BEL) riding Quel Homme de Hus
  8. Martin Fuchs (SUI) riding Leone Jei
  9. Gerrit Nieberg (GER) riding Ben 431
  10. Steve Guerdat (SUI) riding Venard de Cerisy

Virginie Chevailler
Rolex SA
virginie.chevailler@rolex.com
+41 (0) 22 302 2619

Merrick Haydon
rEvolution
mhaydon@revolutionworld.com
+44 (0) 7748 186 833