Tag Archives: Rolex

Scott Brash Wins Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping

History Is Made at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’

13 September 2015, Spruce Meadows, Canada – Scott Brash (GBR) has made history by becoming the first and only rider to win the three equestrian Majors consecutively, claiming the pinnacle of equestrian sporting achievement: the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping title and a €1,000,000 bonus.

In a sport with top-level competition all year round, winning just one of the three Majors is a goal that motivates all riders. However, to dominate top sport consistently takes a truly unique horse and rider partnership – a legendary one that will remain etched in the annals of the sport.

Riding his formidable horse Hello Sanctos, Scott Brash started his Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping campaign by winning the Rolex Grand Prix at the greatest indoor show in the world, CHI Geneva in December 2014. In May 2015, he then went on to claim the Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen, the title to which every rider aspires. The final part of this Grand Slam challenge came with his third victory in the CP International presented by Rolex during the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’.

The build-up to the grand prix was dominated by warm weather and a buzz of excitement from the large crowd who knew they could be watching history being made. But conditions changed on the day of the CP International presented by Rolex and the riders were faced with wet conditions and a drop in temperature. Forty horse and rider combinations started the competition with twelve going through to the second round. As Scott Brash had posted the fastest time in the opening round, he had the benefit of watching his fellow competitors jump round what course designer Leopoldo Palacios described as “the biggest course on the circuit”.

The tension inside the Spruce Meadows International ring was electric as the huge crowd went silent each time a new partnership entered. Poles dropped and faults accumulated, and for a while it appeared that a single time fault from Brazil’s Pedro Veniss and the 2013 Grand Prix winner, Pieter Devos, would be enough to take them into a jump-off. With Scott Brash the last to go, he knew that a clear round would win him the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping and the record bonus.

As he has done on so many previous occasions riding Hello Sanctos, he rose majestically to the challenge and went clear barely touching a pole throughout his winning round.

Scott Brash said, “Winning one of the equestrian Majors was an incredible achievement; to win two was a dream come true, but to go on and complete the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is beyond belief. I have a very special horse in Hello Sanctos, and some amazingly supportive owners in Lord & Lady Harris, and Lord & Lady Kirkham. This close partnership has enabled Hello Sanctos and me to achieve success that will never be forgotten, and I would like to thank all those who have played a part in making this happen.”

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping was launched in 2013 by the three Majors as the ultimate challenge in equestrian sport. The shows have a natural synergy and a mutual respect for their respective achievements and heritage. Select riders, including Rolex Testimonees Rodrigo Pessoa and Eric Lamaze, have won all three Majors; however, this is the first time it has been achieved consecutively.

Arnaud Boetsch, Communications & Image Director of Rolex SA, said, “On behalf of Rolex, we would like to congratulate Scott Brash on winning the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, the ultimate prize in equestrian sport.

“In winning this unparalleled challenge, Scott Brash has proven that he is the one of the finest riders of his generation. His achievement will go down as one of the most remarkable in the history of the sport, and will be talked about for years to come.”

Celebrating its 40th Anniversary, the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ enjoyed record crowds throughout the week with over 85,000 people coming through the turnstiles on Saturday when temperatures hit 30 degrees centigrade. Founded by Ron and Margaret Southern, the tournament grounds maintains a close link with the local Calgary community and sells many of its admission tickets for $5, giving families who enjoy equestrian sport the opportunity to watch world class action throughout the spring and summer.

Final Results:
http://www.sprucemeadows.com/tournaments/media/1442185625848_818.pdf

Media Contacts:

Rolex SA
Virginie Chevailler
virginie.chevailler@rolex.com
+41 22 302 2761

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

Preview Film: The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping

08 September 2015 – The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is the ultimate prize in equestrian sport. In five days’ time, at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’, one horseman, Rolex Testimonee Scott Brash, has the chance to make history and become the first rider to claim the prestigious award.

Please find below a short copyright free preview film, presented by Rolex.

YouTube link

Media Contacts:
Rolex SA
Virginie Chevailler
virginie.chevailler@rolex.com
+41 22 302 2761

Rod Kohler
Revolution Sports + Entertainment
E: rod@revolutionsports.co.uk
T: +44(0)207 592 1207

Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping in Contention as World’s Finest Riders Head to Spruce Meadows

1 September 2015, Spruce Meadows, Canada – The 2015 edition of Spruce Meadows marks the 40th edition of this exceptional event. The peak of this anniversary tournament will be the CP International, presented by Rolex, where one rider has the chance to take home the ultimate Show Jumping prize: The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

British competitor Scott Brash could make history and become the first to succeed in this unique challenge. Brash has already made history by becoming the first rider to win two consecutive legs of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

His quest started at the greatest indoor show in the world, CHI Geneva, last December, when he triumphed in the Rolex Grand Prix. A few months later, he soared to stunning victory at the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen in Germany – possibly the most prized in the world. Winning it – in the electric atmosphere of the huge grass arena – is akin to winning a gold medal at a championship.

He instantly declared his intention to compete for the final stage of the Rolex Grand Slam at Spruce Meadows, saying: “To win one leg is already hard enough; to win two is extremely difficult; to win three is going to be really hard. But the Rolex Grand Slam is the ultimate challenge, so I will definitely try and win it.”

Scott Brash’s partner in both Geneva and Aachen was Hello Sanctos, the 13-year-old Belgian-bred gelding owned by Lord and Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham, with which he has won many major grand prix around the world. Brash is taking no chances with Hello Sanctos and is resting him in order to target this exceptional opportunity at sporting glory in Spruce Meadows.

THE ROLEX GRAND SLAM OF SHOW JUMPING

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping represents the pinnacle of equestrian sporting achievement. Launched in 2013, it is the only global initiative to reward the outstanding rider who wins the three Majors consecutively – CHIO Aachen in Germany, Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ in Canada and CHI Geneva in Switzerland. Only a great horseman or horsewoman could win this most prestigious challenge of show jumping.

A VENUE LIKE NO OTHER

Spruce Meadows is one of the world’s greatest equestrian venues, founded by the Southern family, who understood just what it takes to reach the pinnacle of such a demanding and thrilling sport. At the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Canada, Spruce Meadows has a spectacular setting, as well as the perfect facilities for athletes to perform to the best of their abilities.

Spruce Meadows is the most popular venue for equine sport in North America. The highlight of its season is the ‘Masters’ Tournament, which runs from 9-13 September 2015.

The Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament has been named the number one event in Show Jumping four times, and Rolex is proud to have been associated with it since 1989.

Rolex Testimonee Eric Lamaze, who won The International, presented by Rolex, at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ in 2007 and 2011, said, “For me, Spruce Meadows is one of the most exciting venues in the world. As you proceed through the course the noise gets louder and louder; as a rider I’ve never heard anything like it and the horses feel it, too.

“It’s the Super Bowl of Show Jumping and gives you chills when you come into the ring. You want to put in that clear round to hear the crowd come to life.”

The finest riders and horses from round the globe will be vying for victory and leading the way will be Rolex’s Equestrian Testimonees.

ROLEX TESTIMONEES

At its heart, top-class sport is all about performance. To be the very best, an athlete must be able to repeatedly deliver under pressure. As the world’s leading makers of timepieces, this is something Rolex understands perfectly.

But some of the fascination in equestrian sport comes from the fact that, however talented and consistent the human athlete may be, he or she must possess an exceptional range of complementary abilities in order to form a winning partnership with the equine athlete.

They must be patient, sportsmanlike and sympathetic – but also courageous, resilient and quick-thinking. It is these qualities that turn a rider into a horseman, qualities found at the heart of every Rolex Testimonee.

Eric Lamaze is a Canadian sporting hero. He won individual gold at the 2008 Olympics, and his many Spruce Meadows victories include two at The International Grand Prix, presented by Rolex (the predecessor to the now CP International). He is respected worldwide for his outstanding horsemanship and will be one of Scott Brash’s toughest opponents.

Kent Farrington is the United States’ highest-rated show jumper. His 2015 form has been superb, and includes a win in the RBC Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, another at Spruce Meadows in June and again in the Pan American Cup, presented by Rolex, in July. He has yet to win the grand prix at the ‘Masters’ Tournament, and is determined to make it happen.

The Europe-based riders will have further to travel but are still in contention for the prestigious prize.

Kevin Staut has established himself as one of the top riders in the world and travels to Canada looking to claim his first Spruce Meadows title. Swiss leading rider Steve Guerdat has accumulated some impressive results in 2015. With a victory at the World Cup, held in Las Vegas earlier this year, he is a strong contender for the prize.

Rolex’s newest and youngest Testimonee, Bertram Allen from Ireland, will make his Spruce Meadows debut this year. At only 19 years-old, Allen has proved he has maturity beyond his years after becoming the youngest ever rider to compete in the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Caen, where he placed in the top 10.

ABOUT ROLEX

Leading brand of the Swiss watch industry, Rolex, headquartered in Geneva, enjoys an unrivalled reputation for quality and expertise the world over. Its Oyster watches, all certified as chronometers for their precision, are symbols of excellence, performance and prestige. Pioneer in the development of the wristwatch as early as 1905, the brand is at the origin of numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism introduced in 1931. Rolex has registered over 400 patents in the course of its history. A truly integrated and independent manufacturing company, Rolex designs, develops and produces in-house all the essential components of its watches, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Rolex is also actively involved in supporting the arts, sports, exploration, the spirit of enterprise, and the environment through a broad palette of sponsoring activities, as well as philanthropic programmes.

SPRUCE MEADOWS INTERNATIONAL – PAST WINNERS

2014   Ian Millar (CAN), Dixson
2013   Pieter Devos (BEL), Candy
2012   Oliver Philippaerts (BEL), Cabrio Van De Heffinck
2011   Eric Lamaze (CAN), Hickstead
2010   Jeroen Dubbledam (NED), Simon
2009   McLain Ward (USA), Sapphire
2008   Nick Skelton (GBR), Arko III
2007   Eric Lamaze (CAN), Hickstead
2006   Eugenie Angot (FRA), Cigale du Tallis
2005   Beezie Madden (USA), Judgement
2004   Jos Lansink (BEL), Cumano

Media Contacts:

Rolex SA
Virginie Chevailler
virginie.chevailler@rolex.com
+41 22 302 2761

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

The World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses and Rolex Announce New Partnership

(From left) Theodore Leuchten, Chairman of the Breeding Department at the German Federation, Breido Graf zu Rantzau, President of the German Federation, HRH Princess Benedikte, Patron of the WBFSH and Jan Pedersen, President of the WBFSH at the launch of the new partnership.

Aachen, Germany: The World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) is proud to announce a new partnership with Rolex, the leading brand of the Swiss watch industry and a committed supporter of equestrian sports.

The long-term partnership highlights the understanding and respect that the WBFSH and Rolex have for the passion and hard work that goes on behind-the-scenes at large International events, and in particular the breeding industry. Rolex will become the ‘Official Timepiece’ to the Federation.

HRH Princess Benedikte of Denmark is the current Patron of the WBFSH. She has developed her own highly successful breeding program in Germany and her daughter Princess Nathalie has won two Olympic medals with Digby – a home bred horse.

Launched in 1994 and presided by Jan Pedersen, the WBFSH is the only organization which collates sport horses studbooks on a worldwide scale. It currently has 65 members representing more than 100,000 breeders.

Jan Pedersen, President of the WBFSH, said, “As President of the Federation and on behalf of our breeders and studbooks, I am very proud to enter into partnership with Rolex. Rolex is the epitome of high quality, elegance, exclusiveness and power – all values which we hold very high.

“This partnership enables us to increase our efforts to pursue our goals, one of which is the development of sport horse breeding worldwide. I really look forward to this co-operation and believe it will be mutually valuable for both ourselves and Rolex.”

Since 1957, Rolex has been involved across show jumping, dressage and eventing, three disciplines heavily supported by the WBFSH. As well as partnering with leading shows and individual riders, Rolex also plays a role in the development of the sport through its patronage of the Jumping Owners Club and International Jumping Riders Club.

Commenting on the partnership, Arnaud Boetsch, Communications & Image Director of Rolex SA, said, “The World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses has enjoyed an impressive growth in membership since its inception in 1994, and Rolex is delighted to be working with an organization which safeguards the future growth and development of the breeding industry, an integral part of the equestrian world.”

The main aim of the WBFSH is to promote its members across the three Olympic disciplines. Every season the WBFSH publishes breeding rankings in connection with the FEI and at the end of the year the best studbooks and breeders are awarded the ultimate accolade, The WBFSH Rolex Award. The Federation also helps its new members to organize and unify their rules and regulations in accordance with the international criteria standards.

The WBFSH Rolex Award ceremony for 2015 will be held in December, during the CSI-5* of CHI Geneva, the third stage of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

For further information, please contact:

WBFSH
Xavier Libbrecht     Tel: +33 (6) 80 14 41 83 Email: xavierlibbrecht1@gmail.com

Rolex
Rod Kohler         Tel: +44 (0)7770 647662 Email: rod@revolutionsports.co.uk
Revolution Sports

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
rod@revolutionsports.co.uk
+44 7770 647 662

World Number One Scott Brash Dominates Again at Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final

Geneva, Switzerland, 12 December 2014 – It is an elite competition for the best of the best and an opportunity for the Top 10 riders and horses in the world to compete for end-of-year supremacy. And after two rounds of intense competition, it was the rider who has dominated the World Rankings throughout 2014, Great Britain’s Scott Brash, who produced two flawless displays of Show Jumping to win the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final, stamp his dominance on the sport, and stake a claim to being the rider of the year.

Riding his great gelding Hello Sanctos, Brash was one of four riders who went into the second round faultless. As the round progressed, the poles dropped, and Brash was the only double clear as the final rider, Penelope Leprevost, riding Flora de Mariposa, came into the ring. The only female rider to be competing in the Rolex Top 10 Final, the noise from the crowd hushed to a respectful silence, as they willed the Frenchwoman to another clear round.

But top level Show Jumping can be a tough sport, and after trying to cut time off the tightest turn on the course, Leprevost brought down the wall, resulting in four faults. The combination then knocked down a further two poles dropping them from first to last place.

Scott Brash said, “I must say my horse jumped wonderful today; he jumped really, really good and to be standing here, the winner of the Top 10 – it’s a class I’ve always only ever dreamed of winning, as a kid growing up. I always thought it was impossible to be in there, but to come here, in Geneva of all places, and win – it’s wonderful and I’m delighted.”

In a further twist of fate following a similar result during the World Equestrian Games earlier in the year, a single time fault in the first round for the French rider Patrice Delaveau, meant his clear in the second round resulted in being the runner-up once again by less than two seconds. Rolex Testimonee Steve Guerdat’s horse Albfuehren’s Paille lost a shoe just before entering the ring before the second round and after a quick visit to the farrier, Guerdat was able to finish with just four faults, and claim his spot on the podium in third place.

Speaking about his second place, Delaveau said, “Yes, it was the same fault for me [as at the World Equestrian Games] so for the future I will focus my training on this type of fault. It was difficult for me tonight with the speed. Scott was very quick, but for me it’s OK; I was very happy.”

Similar to the ATP World Finals in tennis, which is also supported by Rolex, the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final is the only competition that is run by the competitors through the International Jumping Riders Club and, due to its very nature, is one of the toughest in the world to win. Staged during CHI Geneva for the tenth time since the competition started in 2001, at the riders’ request, the competition will now stay at the venue for the next few years.

The results of the 14th Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final:

1st Scott Brash (GBR), riding Hello Sanctos
2nd Patrice Delaveau (FRA), riding Lacrimoso HDC
3rd Steve Guerdat (SUI), riding Albfuehren’s Paille
4th Daniel Deusser (GER), riding Cornet D’Amour
5th Maikel Van Der Vleuten (NED), riding VDL Groep Verdi TN N.O.P.
6th Ludger Beerbaum (GER), riding Chaman
7th Kevin Staut (FRA), riding Estoy Aqui De Muze HDC
8th Marcus Ehning (GER), riding Cornado NRW
9th Kent Farrington (USA), riding Voyeur
10th Penelope Leprevost (FRA), riding Flora De Mariposa

For a final results list, please click here.

www.rolex.com

Revolution Sports + Entertainment
team@revolutionsports.co.uk
www.revolutionsports.co.uk

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

World’s Finest Riders Gather in Geneva for End of Season Finale – The Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final

The 10 riders who qualified for the 2014 Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final title in Geneva, Switzerland, from left to right: Kent Farrington (USA), Patrice Delaveau (FRA), Daniel Deusseur (GER), Kevin Staut (FRA), Steve Guerdat (SUI), Scott Brash (GBR), Penelope Leprovost (FRA), Ludger Beerbaum (GER), Marcus Ehning (GER), Mikael van der Vluten (NED).

Geneva, Switzerland, 27 November 2014 – Excellence is not a singular act but a habit. The Rolex International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) Top 10 Final, which is returning to its spiritual home, Geneva, this year, is probably the most competitive Show Jumping class in the world with just the Top 10 riders in the global rankings invited to go head-to-head. Only a brilliant sportsman or sportswoman, capable of performing at his or her very best on every occasion, can win this elite class, which demands exceptional skill, timing and courage.

The Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final takes place on Friday 12 December during CHI Geneva (11-14 December). The IJRC was founded in 1977 by a small group of the most eminent riders the sport of Show Jumping has ever seen, including the great champions Paul Schockemöhle, David Broome, Raimondo D’Inzeo and Nelson Pessoa. It is open to all riders who have taken part in Olympic, World or Continental Championships, those who have competed in at least five Nations Cups and to those ranked in the Top 300 in the world.

Rolex and the IJRC Top 10 Final

Rolex has been a loyal supporter of the International Jumping Riders Club Top 10 Final since it started in 2001. The class is an opportunity for the Top 10 riders and horses in the world to battle it out for end-of-year supremacy and to be recognised as – and rewarded for – being the best.

Geneva has always been regarded as the home of the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final, but after the show hosted the first seven runnings of The Final, it moved to other significant venues before returning to Geneva in 2014.

Alban Poudret, Sports Director of CHI Geneva, said: “Rolex has a strong hereditary connection with Geneva, so it seems fitting that the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final should be based here for the next few years. Over 200 journalists from radio, TV and news publications are on site during CHI Geneva – it is a great platform for international exposure for the event and the riders taking part.”

The riders will put a years’ worth of endurance and mental strength at the forefront of their minds during the competition, whilst navigating a challenging course designed by Gerard Lachat and Luc Musette.

Past Victories

Rolex’s Show Jumping Testimonees, the small band of top riders who have proved themselves to be exceptionally skilled horsemen and ambassadors for equestrian sport, have an impressive record in the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final.

Rodrigo Pessoa, the Brazilian Olympic Gold Medallist, won the final in 2003 and 2005, while Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, the first woman to be ranked Number One in the world, took it in 2004 and 2006 and Steve Guerdat triumphed for Switzerland in 2010. For the past two years the class has gone to German riders – Christian Ahlmann, winner of the Rolex Grand Prix in Aachen, in 2012, and Daniel Deusser in 2013.

Rodrigo Pessoa commented: “It is an absolute privilege to compete in the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final. To be victorious here after a long year of competition is a rare achievement that is attained by only the most worthy and legendary champions of our sport.”

2014 Rolex IJRC Nominees

1) Scott Brash (GBR)
2) Ludger Beerbaum (GER)
3) Marcus Ehning (GER)
4) Kent Farrington (USA)
5) Kevin Staut (FRA)
6) Patrice Delaveau (FRA)
7) Daniel Deusseur (GER)
8) Mikael van der Vleuten (NED)
9) Steve Guerdat (SUI)
10) Penelope Leprevost (FRA)

Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final Results 2001 – 2013

2013 DEUSSER, Daniel GER (Evita van de Veldbalie) Stockholm, Sweden
2012 AHLMANN, Christian GER (Taloubet Z) Geneva, Switzerland
2011 TWOMEY, Billy IRE (Tinka’s Serenade) Paris, France
2010 GUERDAT, Steve SUI (Jalisca Solier) Geneva, Switzerland
2009 EHNING, Marcus GER (Plot Blue) Paris, France
2008 ROBERT, Michel FRA (Kellemoi de Pepita) Brussels, Belgium
2007 KÜRTEN, Jessica IRE (Castle Forbes Libertina) Geneva, Switzerland
2006 MICHAELS-BEERBAUM, Meredith GER (Shutterfly) Geneva, Switzerland
2005 PESSOA, Rodrigo BRA (Baloubet du Rouet) Geneva, Switzerland
2004 MICHAELS-BEERBAUM, Meredith GER (Shutterfly) Geneva, Switzerland
2003 PESSOA, Rodrigo BRA (Baloubet du Rouet) Geneva, Switzerland
2002 BEERBAUM, Ludger GER (Gladdys S) Geneva, Switzerland
2001 BEERBAUM, Ludger GER (Goldfever) Geneva, Switzerland

For further details on Rolex and its equestrian sponsorships, please visit http://equestrianismpressroom.rolex.com/en/2014.

Canada’s Legendary Ian Millar Captures the CP International at Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’

The New Live Contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping

15 September 2014 – Canada’s legendary Ian Millar, riding his 11 year old bay gelding Dixson, in front of over 89,000 equestrian fans, won yesterday’s CP International presented by Rolex at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’, and now becomes the live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

In front of a sell-out crowd bathed in early autumn sunshine, course designer Leopoldo Palacios had laid out a tough first round track which whittled the original 47 horse and rider combinations down to the 12 who went through to the second round. In the 19 years that Leopoldo has been designing in the International Ring, there has only ever been two jump-offs, so just reaching the two-horse jump-off was a considerable achievement in itself for Millar and Reed Kessler from the USA.

Millar, who has competed at every Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ since the inaugural tournament in 1976, had to use every ounce of experience to overcome Reed Kessler riding Cylana in the jump-off. But the 47 year age gap counted in Millar’s favour as he was able to watch Kessler ride a third clear round before coming into the ring and matching her achievement, but 2.3 seconds faster to win the title. Marie Etter from Switzerland was third riding Admirable.

Speaking after his victory, Ian Millar said, “You know, the afternoon goes by in a blur – it took several hours but it just happened so fast and everything just turns on the horses’ footfall. It’s incredible when you consider that there’s 47 in the competition and virtually every horse and rider combination is extremely good at what they do, otherwise they wouldn’t be here – and any one of them on a given day can win, so the set of circumstances that has to fall together and what has to fall in line for one person to win is quite incredible.”

At one stage the weather threatened to dominate the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’, one of the three equestrian Majors, and part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

Unseasonal autumn snow greeted the riders arriving earlier in the week and, facing weather conditions more akin to late December than early September, the Spruce Meadows team worked throughout the day and night to clear the huge International Ring of 12 inches of snow covering it, and the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ competition was able to get underway on Thursday.

Many of the world’s greatest riders, including Rolex Testimonees Eric Lamaze, Steve Guerdat and Kevin Staut, were appearing at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’, having flown directly from France following the World Equestrian Games. Both Steve Guerdat and Christian Ahlmann, holders of the Rolex Grand Prix titles from CHI Geneva and CHIO Aachen respectively were in contention for a Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping bonus for winning two of the three shows, but despite a top 10 finish for Steve in the Grand Prix, the bonus remains unclaimed.

Spruce Meadows, which first staged an equestrian competition 39 years ago, is one of the three equestrian Majors, but despite the sheer size and scaled of the venue, it maintains a unique atmosphere which differentiates it from the fellow Majors at CHI Geneva and CHIO Aachen.

Spruce Meadows President Linda Southern-Heathcott commented, “Spruce Meadows was a very small venue in the beginning and the sport was very young, so my mother and father had to create a family atmosphere and we believe that the athletes and the corporate supporters are part of our family, and the media are fans. Our place is their place, for them to enjoy and it is their home and we invite people from around the world into our home and so it’s a special place that way and just because we have always really strived to have that feeling.”

To Rolex Testimonee Eric Lamaze, Spruce Meadows holds a special place in his heart.

“Spruce Meadows is unique,” said Lamaze. “They have never changed the tradition here. There is nothing else like it from the organizational side of it. The people around these grounds are so helpful and are so giving of their time to make Spruce Meadows what it is.”

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping now moves indoors to the CHI Geneva in December where Ian Millar will be aiming to take the next steps towards the €1 million bonus.

www.rolex.com
www.rolexgrandslam.com

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

Highlights Film from the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014

08 September 2014 – After 14 days of intense competition, the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy, France have drawn to a close.

To commemorate this landmark, please find below a link to a short news film, containing highlights from Show Jumping, Eventing and Dressage from the Games, made by Rolex, Official Timepiece and Partner to the Games.

This film is copyright free and can be embedded using the following codes:

YouTube link

YouTube embedding code

For further media information, please contact:

Rod Kohler
Revolution Sports + Entertainment
E: rod@revolutionsports.co.uk
T: +44(0)207 592 1207