W hat a premiere! 40,000 spectators in a sold-out stadium, sunshine, and three riders in the Rolex Grand Prix jump-off at the 2013 CHIO Aachen, the first Major of the year. A perfect stage for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping debut, together with the fact that British rider Nick Skelton, one of the sport’s veteran heroes, ultimately rode to victory. Totally in fitting with the idea of the Rolex Grand Slam, since the initiative has much to do with history and tradition, with the history and stories of show jumping. Skelton went into the jump-off with his exceptional horse “Big Star” and jumped clear without taking too many risks, and then had a nail-biting wait. When both Switzerland’s Janika Sprunger on “Palloubet d’Halong”, and French rider Patrice Delaveau with “Orient Express” picked up faults, Skelton let out a whoop of joy. Skelton, still mounted, was watching the Frenchman ride from outside the gate at the exit of the ring. The jubilant rider threw his arms up to the cheers of the crowd standing just half a metre away behind the railing. It was one of those very special moments of the competition. And it was the beginning of Nick Skelton’s personal Rolex Grand Slam – the British rider’s fourth victory in the Rolex Grand Prix at Aachen. The only other person to achieve this feat was Italy’s rider of the century, Piero d’Inzeo. Another anecdote in the history of the CHIO Aachen, rich in tradition, staged for the first time in 1927. Since then, Aachen has become one of the most important equestrian shows in the world. No other event can boast such history; no other event can match it in terms of prizemoney and the enthusiasm of its spectators. Media interest is overwhelming, and coverage from the Aachener Soers is shown in over 140 countries. The debut of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, whose concept was presented in Gothenburg, Sweden in 2013, was on a par with expectations. At the Major in Aachen, tens of thousands experienced exactly what the Rolex Grand Slam is all about: exceptional moments in an exceptional sport. the majors: CHIO aachen 2013 19
Rolex Grand Slam magazine - Number 2
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