36
A NEW CHAPTER ROLEX GRAND SLAM MAGAZINE
A NEW
T he year 2013 marked a new
era in equestrianism. United
in their mission to perpetuate showjumping
excellence, three foremost
equestrian shows, CHIO Aachen,
Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’, and
CHI Geneva, launched a unique
concept: the Rolex Grand Slam
of Show Jumping, rewarding the
rider
who wins the Grand Prix at
each of these Majors in succession.
What started as an ambitious idea
has today
become one of the most
coveted
trophies in the sport.
Since the inaugural Grand Slam
event at the CHIO Aachen 2013
through to the CHI Geneva 2016,
more than 230 athletes from over
30 nations have competed in this
formidable challenge. And yet,
among them, only one rider has
successfully qualified for all twelve
of the contest’s Grands Prix to
date.
Not only did Swiss show-jumper
Steve Guerdat take part in every
Major final between 2013 and
2016, but he succeeded in riding
out of CHI Geneva’s legendary
indoor
arena as the winner in
both 2013 and 2015, and finishing
second at the Spruce Meadows
‘Masters’ 2013.
His impressive performances have
nevertheless been surpassed by
outstanding athlete Scott Brash,
whose revolutionary Rolex Grand
Slam of Show Jumping victory over
the 2014-2015 season will forever be
remembered as one of the sport’s
iconic moments. Brash proved his
Grand Slam potential early on, after
finishing second at the CHI Geneva
in 2013, in what was the Scotsman’s
first attempt for the sport’s ultimate
prize. Eager to take home a second
Grand Slam title, Brash crowned
2016 with a second place finish at
the CHIO Aachen, victory at the