27 O lympic gold medallist, European Champion, Number One in the world ranking list. What more is left for a 29-year-older rider who has already achieved so much? He dreams of touching the stars! And that was precisely what Scott Brash did at the third Major competition of the year. December 14, 2014, Palexpo, Geneva. The jump-off course was ready in the world’s largest indoor arena. Eight obstacles were laid out over the 5,200 square-metre surface, leading the way to victory in the Rolex Grand Prix. A difficult task lay ahead for the 13 horse and rider pairs qualified for the jump-off. Difficult, but not impossible. Because gathered here were the top riders of the moment: Kevin Staut, Gerco Schröder, Christian Ahlmann, Kent Farrington and Pénélope Leprévost. The best of the best would strive to claim the crown of the equestrian sport. What more can be said, apart from the fact that a fellow competitor would beat them all? With a performance that was “out of this world”, Scott Brash, riding “Hello Sanctos”, relegated the European Champion Roger Yves Bost from France and Sweden’s star rider Rolf-Göran Bengtsson into second and third place, respectively, to take home his first Major victory. “No, I am definitely not an alien,” said the young Brit, laughing at the impression he made on the 9,400 spectators at the sold-out event. “But I am absolutely overjoyed. My horse was simply incredible!” It was just one year ago, in this same sandy arena on Lake Geneva that hosts this emblematic competition founded in 1926, that Brash lost to Swiss Olympic gold medallist Steve Guerdat. But now, his time had come, his time to take on the ultimate challenge in the world of equestrian sport and win: “Being part of the Rolex Grand Slam is fantastic. We are athletes – we need goals. The Rolex Grand Slam gives us a goal!” Which is why one competition in particular has since become a priority for Brash this year: “The focus is quite clearly on Aachen.” Because that is where he could continue to write his success story. It is where he would have the chance to become the first rider ever to win two Majors in a row. Scott Brash may not come from another planet, even if his performances are astounding. But claiming the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping would certainly have him touching the stars! The Majors 2014 CHI Geneva
Rolex Grand Slam magazine Number 3
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