11 S ometimes speed is not the determining factor when it comes to crossing the finish line as the winner. And sometimes 20 years of waiting go by in an instant – an instant that turns a world-class rider into a legend. In the sold-out stadium of the Aachener Soers, 40,000 spectators witnessed Christian Ahlmann riding to victory in the Rolex Grand Prix – the most important achievement in his career. This triumph at the first Major event of the year was both a beginning and an end for Ahlmann. A beginning because Ahlmann’s Rolex Grand Slam has just begun – to go down in equestrian sporting history, he still had to win at Calgary and Geneva – and an end because he had finally achieved a long-cherished dream. “I have always wanted to win the Rolex Grand Prix in Aachen. I’ve thought about this moment for 20 years,” he said. Before him, Ahlmanns father had also ridden at the traditional showgrounds in Aachen, where equestrianism’s elite have been competing since 1898. Over 600 journalists from all over the globe cover the event live on location, and more than 350,000 visitors come to celebrate their favourite champion. As usual, the 2014 Grand Prix of Aachen offered the spectators the suspense, class and emotion worthy of a Rolex Grand Slam. Looking back: Whereas Steve Guerdat, winner of the CHI in Geneva, and Spruce Meadows “Masters” champion Pieter Devos blow their chance at claiming their second Major victory in the first round by picking up faults on the water obstacles, five riders make it to the jump-off: Christian Ahlmann, two German top riders Daniel Deußer and Marcus Ehning, as well as Kent Farrington and Lauren Hough from the US. First in the ring, Ahlmann plays it safe. He jumps clear, but his time with “Codex One” is beatable. He and the crowd tremble with each subsequent ride, with each fault. Ehning, Farrington and Deußer notch up four faults apiece. Finally, the last pair, Lauren Hough and her mare “Ohlala”, enter the stadium. Aachen holds its breath. But the pole falls at just the second fence, and with it the final verdict. Christian Ahlmann has won! He has reached the pinnacle of show jumping. Some 80,000 hands clap frenetically; the crowd celebrates its hero. “Normally, it is better to ride last. But not today,” Ahlmann told reporters. But now is the time for elation. The champion rider is enjoying the present moment and the unique atmosphere of the Aachen arena that turned him into a legend. the majors 2014 CHIO aachen
Rolex Grand Slam magazine Number 3
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