Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping

Things will be getting serious for the best show-jumpers in the world soon! Because tomorrow the CHI Geneva kicks off and over three days they will have the opportunity to qualify for the “Rolex Grand Prix”, the third Major of the year in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

40 pairs are allowed to compete in the competition on Sunday that is endowed with prize-money totalling 1.1 million Euros. As if that is not enough: Whoever leaves the ring on the afternoon of December 13th as the winner of the Grand Prix, has also mastered the first step in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

This biggest challenge in the equestrian sport unites the three most famous equestrian shows in the world – the CHI Geneva, the CHIO Aachen and the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ – in an extraordinary competition: The rider, who succeeds in winning all three Majors in direct succession, wins one million Euros in addition to the prize-money. But even two Major victories are worthwhile: In direct sequence this is rewarded with a 500,000 Euro bonus, for the “two out of three mode”, i.e. for victories at two non-consecutive Major shows, a 250,000 Euro bonus beckons.
A concept that attracts the top stars of the international show jumping sport and their best horses to the three events every year again and again – all of them with the same goal: To win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping and become a legend of the sport. Scott Brash was the first rider ever to achieve this outstanding feat. With his Major victories at the CHI Geneva 2014, at the “World Equestrian Festival” 2015 in Aachen and this September in Spruce Meadows, he made his personal Grand Slam perfect and wrote equestrian history in doing so.
And the Scottish rider will be in Geneva again this year for the CHI hoping to take the victory! As last year’s winner, Scott Brash has already pre-qualified for the Grand Prix together with the best riders of the most recent Championships, for example the Swiss Olympic gold medallist, Steve Guerdat, the reigning double World and European Champion, Jeroen Dubbeldam from the Netherlands, as well as the European Championships medal winners Gregory Wathelet from Belgium and Simon Delestre from France.

For all those riders, who have not automatically qualified, the battle for participating in the “Rolex Grand Prix” starts tomorrow on Thursday: The 20 best riders in the “Credit Suisse Grand Prix” qualify for Sunday. There are further chances to qualify in the “Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final” on Friday evening as well as in the “Coupe de Genève” and the “Geneva Classic” on Saturday.
On Saturday evening we will know the names of all 40 finalists, who are allowed to ride in the Grand Prix of Geneva. For whom will the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping begin on Sunday?

Interview with Rolex Grand Slam winner Scott Brash

He is a living legend: Scott Brash was the first rider ever to succeed in winning the Grand Prix in Geneva, Aachen and Spruce Meadows in direct succession and in doing so claimed the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping title. The British rider is now returning to the CHI Geneva from December 10^th-13^th, where he celebrated his first Major victory last year. The 30-year-old explained in an interview his experiences since his Grand Slam triumph in September, his plans for this year’s CHI in Geneva and why his employees always complain about him after Christmas.

In the meantime, your Rolex Grand Slam victory was three months ago. How have things been since then?
It’s been pretty busy really, it’s a very full calendar year now! It was such a high at the time; but I tried to very quickly get back into my work and focus on the remainder of the season. The team and I are now looking forward to 2016.
 

When you look back to September 13 – the day you won the Rolex Grand Slam – which moment springs to mind first?
The moment of realisation, when I knew I’d done it. It was a goal that I’d dreamt about and so to finally do it; after all the build-up, was a real mix of emotions. It’s obviously something that I’ll never forget.
 

At the press conference after the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’, you said you would need time to take it all in and that you still couldn’t believe that you had won. When was the moment, when you really realised that you had claimed the Grand Slam title?
There are still times when I can’t believe what’s happened. I suppose it was just settling back in to everyday life and work and people asking me about it and congratulating me about it, that was when it was really sinking in. It’s just a great feeling in the back of your mind all the time, but in this game you have to keep looking ahead.
 

And that is precisely what we are going to do now – by looking ahead to the CHI Geneva next weekend. What is so special about the show for you?
Palexpo is a fantastic arena, which is great to ride in for both the riders and the horses and the atmosphere in the ring on “Rolex Grand Prix” day is a really special feeling. It really is one of my favourite shows of the year and I'm really looking forward to going again this year.
 

What is your goal this year? Will you be bringing your top horse, “Hello Sanctos”, to the CHI with you, whom you rode to victory there last year?
Yes, “Sanctos” will be making the trip over with me and I’m sure he’ll love the event as always. As for my goals, I just try to focus on the job at hand, but I will most certainly be trying to win the “Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final” and the “Rolex Grand Prix”, both of which will be extremely difficult classes to win again, but I'm still extremely hungry for more success in Geneva.
 

What about “Sanctos”? Is he in good form for further victories in Geneva?
“Sanctos” had a well-earned rest after our Grand Slam victory, but in the meantime he is back on the competition circuit again. At his last competition before Geneva, in Doha in mid-November, he jumped well, but we both made a couple of silly mistakes. But I always feel very confident with “Sanctos”, he is an incredible horse and he loves winning as much as I do.
 

But of course the others like winning too and the best riders and horses in the world will be competing in Geneva. Who are, in your opinion, the favourites to win the Rolex Grand Prix?
Rolf-Göran Bengtsson with “Casall” and Kent Farrington with “Voyeur” are both in great form at the moment. If these two pairs compete they will without doubt be among the favourites. But to be honest, there are so many good combinations around just now. I think anyone, who qualifies for the Grand Prix can win it, that’s what makes our sport so unique. 
 

What is on your sporting agenda after Geneva?
It’s all eyes on “Olympia Horse Show” in London in terms of my immediate focus, as it is taking place the week after. But 2016 looks like a full calendar year again, so each horse will have different goals to aim for.
 

Is there enough time in your busy diary for a short Christmas break?
There’s not much time for holidays in this game, but I really enjoy being at home for Christmas. I like to send all my staff home and I do the horses and I really enjoy it. However the girls always complain that it takes them a bit longer to muck the horses out when they come back. It is very hard for me to keep up the standard they all set in my yard. It makes me appreciate them even more when they return! 

Legends are born in Geneva! At the third and last Major Show of the year, the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping returns to the location, where the most extraordinary triumph in sporting history all started exactly twelve months ago.

Here at the Palexpo, the largest indoor arena in the world, this most impressive merger between purpose and aura, the British show-jumper Scott Brash won the “Rolex Grand Prix” of the CHI Geneva 2014. It was a moment for eternity, when he crossed the finish line with his outstanding horse “Hello Sanctos” clear and in the fastest time. A moment full of luck, a moment of triumph. And it wasn’t the only one either: Brash‘s journey with Rolex had only just begun. Ahead of him lay Aachen and Spruce Meadows. To win the three big Majors of the equestrian sport in succession was his goal from then on, his big challenge. No rider had ever succeeded in doing so before him. Yet, Brash made the impossible possible: He won in Aachen, he won in Spruce Meadows and thus went down in history as the first winner ever of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

Brash is here again now to continue writing history: He wants to defend the title. “It is going to be difficult, but I will do everything necessary to stand up on the top step again,” assured the 30-year-old. Riding to victory at the Major in Geneva – one of the most demanding Grand Prix in the world – is the dream of all top riders.

In 2013, the Swiss local hero, Steve Guerdat, won the competition. Now he wants to reclaim the title, in front of his crowd, on his “piste”. “Geneva is my home show, riding here is something very special for me,” commented the Olympic gold medallist. “I will be on the offence, I will certainly give it my best shot to win the Grand Prix!”

But he is by no means on his own there: Ludger Beerbaum and Daniel Deußer from Germany, Jeroen Dubbeldam from the Netherlands, Kevin Staut, Pénélope Leprévost and Simon Delestre from France, Eric Lamaze from Canada, Bertram Allen from Ireland, Gregory Wathelet from Belgium, Kent Farrington from the USA – they are the big names of the equestrian sport, the best in the world ranking. They are the winners and runners-up of many Championships, who want to prove their skills to a crowd of 9,400 spectators in a huge arena spanning 5,400 square metres.

In 1926, Geneva hosted an international equestrian show for the first time. The Swiss metropolis has been the venue for equestrian sport in a class of its own ever since. Since the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping was founded in 2013, the CHI Geneva has ultimately become part of a new era: Three world-class shows. One million Euros in addition to the prize-money. A place in the hall of fame of the sport for eternity. Geneva, Aachen, Spruce Meadows.

Who is going to win the “Rolex Grand Prix”? Will Scott Brash succeed in carrying off this feat again? Whose name will be the title of the new chapter in equestrian sport history?

One thing is sure: The story will begin at the CHI Geneva 2015. Here, at the Palexpo, here with the best riders in the world faced with the probably biggest challenge of the equestrian sport.

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping has begun again!

With his Major victory at the legendary Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’, Scott Brash became the first rider ever to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. We spoke to the 29-year-old British show-jumper about his sensational victory, which has turned him into an equestrian sport legend.

Your Major victory in Spruce Meadows means you are following in the footsteps of the Canadian national hero, Ian Millar. Last year he said, the first rider to win the Rolex Grand Slam will be the hero of all heroes. You have pulled off this exceptional feat! How do you feel now?
For me winning the Grand Slam is a dream come true. It is incredible winning one Major, but to win all three in a row – the three most difficult Grand Prix in the world – and what’s more with the same horse – is simply fantastic, simply a dream come true, I don’t know how else to describe it.

How difficult was it to assert yourself here in Spruce Meadows against the best riders in the world?
Extremely difficult! The course was very demanding, both rounds were a challenge, the allowed time was tight. The organisers put together a very special Major to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Spruce Meadows. It was phenomenal to win against such a line-up of top riders, over such a course and in front of such a fantastic crowd.

So, the conditions were spot on for a real Major?
Definitely! I love the atmosphere in Spruce Meadows, the “International Ring” is unique. The show has a very special history and one senses it in the ring too. The atmosphere was so intense, while I was riding. The crowd was terrific! It was simply a wonderful show.

Your journey with Rolex began with the Major victory at the CHI in Geneva in December, in Aachen you won the second leg and here in Spruce Meadows you have now claimed the victory in the Grand Slam. How was your journey with Rolex?
It was simply fantastic from the first Major victory until now. It is an honour for me to be the first rider to win this fabulous Rolex series. Rolex has been sponsoring the equestrian sport for many years, but what it has achieved with the Grand Slam is unique – both for us riders and for the sport as a whole. The Grand Slam has helped the show jumping sport to become more popular and it offers us riders an exceptional competition. As athletes, we couldn’t wish for more.

You have been heading the world rankings for months, you won team gold at the Olympic Games in 2012 and have been able to celebrate numerous further victories on the show jumping circuit. What significance does the Grand Slam victory have for your career?
Every rider dreams of winning in Aachen, Geneva and Spruce Meadows once. So, on winning the Grand Slam title, I have not only achieved a goal in my career, but also fulfilled a dream of a lifetime. To be honest, I feel like I have just reached the peak of my career. I can’t image there could be anything better!

History was written today at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters‘! Scott Brash succeeded in doing what no other rider has achieved before: He made the impossible possible and in doing so has become a living legend!
The British show-jumper was the only rider among the first-class line-up of participants in the “CP ‘International’, presented by Rolex” to jump clear in both rounds and, after Geneva and Aachen, secured himself the third Major victory in succession. An amazing triumph, because this exceptional feat means that Scott Brash is the first rider to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping!
“It is absolutely unbelievable, for me the dream of a lifetime has come true,” said the 29-year-old, as the Rolex Grand Slam Trophy was presented to him during the festive prize-giving ceremony. The impressive trophy is, however, not the only reward for Scott Brash’s master achievement: As the winner of the three big equestrian sport Majors, he has won the incredible sum of one million Euros in addition to the prize-money of 500,000 Canadian Dollars. There has never been such a high bonus in the history of the equestrian sport before. No other rider has ever asserted himself against his fellow competitors so convincingly before.
The spectators in the sold-out “International Ring” witnessed a Grand Prix that was unparalleled in terms of emotion and excitement: Continuous rain and a course comprising of the highest degree of difficulty awaited the 40 riders, who had succeeded in qualifying for the Major throughout the week of the show. Indeed only ten pairs jumped clear in the first round. As was the case at the Major in Aachen, Scott Brash and his phenomenal “Hello Sanctos” once again crossed the finish line clear in the fastest time in the first round. Twelve pairs went through to the second round, which comprised of an even more demanding course, eleven pairs failed. When finally Scott Brash rode into the ring amid thunderous applause, after the fourteenth fence the winner was clear. The stadium held its breath 14 times, 14 sighs of relief when the poles didn’t fall. Finally, tens of thousands of people glanced at the scoreboard: The time sufficed – a hero was born!
The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – the ultimate equestrian sport challenge. Scott Brash mastered this challenge today. He wrote history in Canada at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ and turned September 13th, 2015 into the beginning of a new equestrian sport era.

Just one day until the big Final: If he rides to victory in the Grand Prix in Spruce Meadows tomorrow, Scott Brash has the legendary opportunity to become the first rider ever to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. In an interview, he told us how he will spend his day off today to prepare himself and what could unnerve his top horse "Hello Sanctos" in the ring tomorrow.

After qualifying on Thursday for the Grand Prix, the "CP 'International', presented by Rolex", you are only going to take part in the one competition with "Hello Sanctos". What did you do with him on his day off?
We just did some light training yesterday. I rode him twice so that he could stretch his legs, but very gently and relaxed. I exercised him lightly this morning too and this afternoon we will actually do a bit more work, depending on how he feels. I will ride him tomorrow morning one last time before the Grand Prix.

And what will you do this evening?
I am invited to the traditional dinner here in Spruce Meadows, which I am really looking forward to. However, I will go back to the hotel early, of course, because, after all, I have got a job to do tomorrow.

Which is going to be everything but easy, because a host of fantastic riders have qualified for the Grand Prix. Who do you think are going to be your biggest rivals in the battle for victory tomorrow?
Many riders have shown that they are in top form here. Beezie Madden, for example, has had an excellent show so far, so has Kent Farrington. But Kevin Staut and Eric Lamaze have both also put in great performances so far here at the ‘Masters’. It is definitely going to be a tough battle for the victory!

And “Hello Sanctos” will be fighting for you as he has done over the past days…
Yes, he jumped very, very well on Wednesday and Thursday. He really feels at home in the “International Ring”. The only thing that could distract him are the extraordinary fences here in Spruce Meadows. “Sanctos” is sometimes a bit spooky in that way. So, we shall have to wait and see what the course designer has in store for us tomorrow.

Have you already developed a strategy of how you are going to ride the competition? There are two rounds and possibly also a jump-off.
Naturally, when I walk the course, I will decide how I am going to ride. But, ultimately, we have to take each round as it comes. We simply have to keep concentrated and take one step at a time. It is going to be very, very difficult to win the Major, but we will certainly give it our very best shot!

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, that is the ultimate challenge of the show jumping sport: Winning the three big Majors – Geneva, Aachen and Spruce Meadows – in succession and thus rising to the peak of the sport. That is every top rider’s dream. And on Sunday, we will find out whether this dream will become reality for Scott Brash.
For the winner of the Majors in Geneva in 2014 and in Aachen in 2015, the Rolex Grand Slam is within reach! Just one victory is missing, he has to demonstrate one more time that he is exceptional, that he hasn’t be heading the world ranking list for months without good reason. On Sunday, in the big Final of the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’, it is all down to Scott Brash: If he wins the Grand Prix, the “CP ‘International’, presented by Rolex”, he will go down in equestrian sport history as the first ever Grand Slam winner.
However, there is big competition from big names, who also have big goals. Because befittingly for a Major, only the very best riders in the world qualify for the Grand Prix and thus have the chance to take part in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.
Scott Brash himself succeeded in securing his place in the Final after achieving a top ranking in the qualifier on Thursday. The same applied for the Belgian Vice European Champion, Gregory Wathelet, and for the Canadian Olympic gold medallist and two-time ‘Masters’ winner, Eric Lamaze, who were able to win the two qualifiers on Thursday. The US-American rider McLain Ward – the winner of the ‘Masters’ in 2009 – already demonstrated that he is in top form when he won the opening jumping competition on Wednesday: This would have also meant he had qualified for the Grand Prix – had he not already secured himself a place in the Final as the reigning Pan American Champion. On the other hand, Ward’s fellow countryman, Kent Farrington, still had to qualify: That was no problem for the current number five in the world rankings, because he notched up excellent placings in the competitions on Wednesday and Thursday. The two French riders Roger-Yves Bost and Kevin Staut also put in top performances: They are currently lying in first and second place in the interim rankings of the ‘Masters’ and have thus definitely already qualified for the Final.
We will also see three other former Spruce Meadows winners on Sunday: The two Belgian show-jumpers Pieter Devos, who won the Major in 2013, and Olivier Philippaerts, the winner in 2012, both succeeded in qualifying in the competitions on Wednesday and Thursday. Canada’s national hero, Ian Millar, qualified automatically as the “defending title holder”, together with the Swiss rider, Steve Guerdat, for his victory at the 2012 Olympic Games.
The final opportunity to qualify is in the “Nations Cup” on Saturday. After this competition, we will know exactly which 40 contestants are allowed to ride into the impressive “International Ring” to compete in the Grand Prix that is endowed with prize money totalling 1.5 million Canadian Dollars. But one thing is already certain: For Scott Brash it is going to be the ride of his life!

The time has come at last! The Spruce Meadows 'Masters' – the second Major Show of the year in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – has begun and right from the start all the signs indicate that equestrian sport history is going to be written on Sunday in the legendary "International Ring".
With a top ranking in the "Cana Cup", Scott Brash qualified straightaway on Thursday for the big Final on Sunday, the "CP 'International', presented by Rolex" and has thus come a huge step closer to his dream of winning the Grand Slam.
The British show-jumper and his top horse "Hello Sanctos" mastered the first round and the jump-off with ease, jumping clear over both courses to finish fifth. This guarantees him a place on the starting list of the Grand Prix on Sunday. "I am delighted that we were already able to qualify for the Final today," stated Scott Brash after the prize ceremony. "'Sanctos' feels at home here, he jumped fantastically today and yesterday. We are looking forward to Sunday!"
The day that could change Scott Brash's life and the equestrian sport world:  Because if Scott Brash should head the lap of honour of the Major on Sunday afternoon, he will be the first rider ever to win the three most challenging and prestigious Grand Prix in the world in direct succession: In December last year he jumped to victory at the CHI Geneva and in May he secured himself first place in the Grand Prix at the "World Equestrian Festival" in Aachen. A victory in Spruce Meadows means he would go down in history as the first rider to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. He would thus claim one million Euros – in addition to the prize-money of 500,000 Canadian Dollars. An extraordinary opportunity for an exceptional rider! 

Endowed with prize-money totalling more than 2.8 million Canadian dollars, a line-up in a class of its own and Scott Brash’s legendary opportunity to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, if he claims the victory in the “’CP International’, presented by Rolex”: The 40th anniversary edition of the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ is more spectacular than ever.
However, the best riders in the world, who start competing in the legendary “International Ring” of Spruce Meadows on Wednesday, have a long way ahead of them until the Final on Sunday afternoon. A maximum of 40 riders can qualify for the Grand Prix, which lures the competitors with total prize-money to the value of 1.5 million Canadian dollars. A third of which is reserved for the winner. If Scott Brash succeeds in winning this competition, his third Major victory in succession would mean he is the first rider to claim the title of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, which would earn him the tidy sum of one million euros in addition to the regular prize-money. This has never been achieved before in the history of equestrian sport!
However, like most of his colleagues, Brash first has to qualify for the Final. Only very few riders have already assured themselves a place on the starting list of the Grand Prix: The local hero, Ian Millar, as last year’s winner, for example, or the Swiss Olympic gold medallist, Steve Guerdat, as well as McLain Ward from the USA for his individual gold medal at the Pan American Games 2015.
The remaining riders have the opportunity to qualify for the starting list of the Grand Prix by achieving top rankings in the competitions from Wednesday until Saturday. There are two big jumping competitions every day, which means eight chances in total for each participant. The Nations’ Cup on Saturday afternoon is the final dress rehearsal. Four riders per nation will compete for the team and battle it out for the team victory. Scott Brash will not be competing for Great Britain, he is competing at the ‘Masters’ as an individual rider. However, that makes no difference to the eligibility to compete in the Grand Prix on Sunday. Because when it comes down to the Final, the Major victory, every rider has to face the challenge individually. They have to do their best to jump clear in both rounds of the competition. Only the best twelve go through to the jump-off in the “’CP International’, presented by Rolex”. And then the dream of a Major victory is within grasp! For the best of the best the journey with Rolex will then begin – or will come to a sensational end with the fulfilment of a dream. Scott Brash’s dream.
The Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ 2015: Five days of top sport in a class of its own, a major decision: Will Scott Brash become a legend on Sunday?

The Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ begins on Wednesday and the best riders in the world will be taking part in the second leg in the year of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping! Heading the list is the number one in the world rankings, Scott Brash, who after his Major victories in Geneva and Aachen could now become the first rider ever to win the Grand Slam. The 29-year-old British show-jumper has brought his best horse “Hello Sanctos” to Calgary with him in his strive to finish first in the Grand Prix, the “‘CP International’, presented by Rolex”.
However, there is tough competition also from his own country: The equestrian sport legend, Michael Whitaker, will also be giving it his best shot, together with his nephews William and Robert, who have both also competed at championship level. For Canada, among others, last year’s winner and national hero, Ian Millar, as well as Eric Lamaze, the 2008 Olympic Games individual gold medallist, have confirmed their participation. Switzerland is also very strongly represented: Romain Duguet, who claimed team bronze at the European Championships 2015 will be on board together with his fellow countryman, Steve Guerdat, the Olympic gold medallist, Major winner of Geneva in 2013 and current number five in the world rankings. The USA is also sending its top riders across the border: Beezie Madden (number three in the world rankings) is riding in Calgary, as well as McLain Ward (ninth in the rankings) Kent Farrington (fifth in the rankings) and Reed Kessler, who came second in the Grand Prix at the ‘Masters’ in 2014.
Always hot candidates to take the victory are the Brazilian Olympic gold medallist, Rodrigo Pessoa, and the Belgian show-jumper, Gregory Wathelet (number ten in the world rankings), who secured himself a silver medal at the European Championships 2015 in Aachen in the individual classification. As the winner of the Major in 2013, his fellow countryman, Pieter Devos, feels just as much at home on the spacious jumping arena of Spruce Meadows as the French rider, Kevin Staut. The individual European Champion of 2009 and team Vice World Champion of 2010 and 2014 has not only been one of the top show-jumpers in the world for years, he too almost succeeded in riding to victory in the Grand Prix at the ‘Masters’. Finally, his fellow countryman, Roger-Yves Bost, the European individual gold medallist of 2013 and team World Champion of 1990, will also be travelling to Canada.
A line-up that includes the current top riders in the world, Olympic champions, medal winners and Major winners, plus the unique opportunity for Scott Brash to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping and thus write equestrian sport history – that is the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ from September 9th-13th, 2015!

One date. One venue. One unique chance to make his dream come true. On Sunday at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Scott Brash can go down in history as the first rider ever to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Join him on his journey with Rolex from the very beginning: Geneva, Aachen and now Spruce Meadows.

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Liège Airport, half past four in the morning. A horse trailer arrives on the cargo car park of from the Netherlands. It’s still dark at night at one of the biggest cargo airports in Europe. An empty parking lot.
An hour later the trucks are stood in all directions. Engine noise. Headlights. Forklift trucks driving backwards and forwards. The babble of voices. People with horse passports. People with water canisters. People with hay nets. Neighing. Snorting. Horses kicking against the walls of the horseboxes. “At the moment, it all seems to be total chaos. But once we have started loading, everything will run like clockwork,” promises a man in accent-free English. He is wearing a yellow safety vest, which identifies him as being a member of the airport team. On the other hand, the fact that he speaks perfect English distinguishes Jon Garner from most of his colleagues on-site, because he is not Belgian. The Show Director of Spruce Meadows has travelled here from Calgary personally this afternoon to have the 67 horses from eight nations flown to his hometown. To the famous Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ – the second leg in the year of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.
Among them, “Hello Sanctos”, that outstanding horse, who could turn his rider into a legend next Sunday: After the British show-jumper, Scott Brash, was able to win two Major shows in succession, he now only needs to ride to victory in Spruce Meadows to go down in history as the first rider ever to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.
However, “Sanctos” shows no trace of all this commotion about this unique opportunity. He was one of the last horses to arrive at the airport at around twenty to eight, he is chomping away at his hay happily, looking out of the window of the horsebox, while things are gradually calming down on the car park. The equipment has been stowed away, the explosive dogs have examined all of the palettes, the paperwork has been checked: Everything is ready to start loading the horses into the Boeing 747.
26 cargo boxes are at hand for this purpose. “Sanctos” is going to share his box with his stablemate “Forever”. The two geldings have got a box all to themselves – “Business Class” with more legroom. A luxury that around a third of the horses can enjoy. Otherwise, three horses travel together in each cargo box. “It depends on the owner’s booking and how well the horses get on with each other. We basically try to transport horses from the same stable together, because they already know each other. But, of course, we can’t put a stallion next to a mare and in the case of two stallions, we usually leave the middle compartment free,” says Jon Garner, explaining the system behind his loading plan, which will get underway at 8 o’clock on the dot with the first pair of horses.
Two stallions from the Netherlands trample up the loading ramp into the cargo box. The grooms lead them into the compartment from the rear side and tie the horses up at the front. The airport team close the hinged doors behind them. Jon Garner also sets to work, helping with each horse with a skilful hand.
Once all of the horses have been loaded into the box, the grooms use the side doors to provide them with food and water for the duration of the flight. Then, it is time to say goodbye. The horses are placed inside the airplane using a hydraulic lift, the grooms set off for home again for the time being. Only three of them are allowed to accompany the flight to Calgary together with Jon Garner, a further colleague from Spruce Meadows and a veterinarian. Hannah Colman, the groom of “Sanctos”, is one of them: “I am delighted that I am allowed to fly with him. He actually doesn’t mind travelling, whether by truck or by plane. But it puts my mind at rest, if I can be close to him the whole time.” Scott Brash isn’t flying to Calgary until two days’ time. Hannah will prepare “Sanctos” for the big challenge until he arrives. “We are a bit nervous, because Scott and “Sanctos” have to qualify for the Grand Prix on Sunday first. But “Sanctos” is in good shape,” she said glancing at her protégé, who is still busy with his breakfast. He is still got plenty of time to finish, because he is not due to board until 11 o’clock.
Hannah gets “Sanctos” out of the truck at five to eleven and everything runs smoothly: Half an hour later he is already stood in his temporary stable in the airplane, next to “Forever”. Row nine, on the left-hand side. Two cargo boxes per row only leave the crew an arm’s length of space at the outside of the cargo room to squeeze by from horse to horse. Neither the loud roaring of the airplane, nor the confined space seem to bother “Sanctos”. Even when the next box docks on with a jerk, he carries on nibbling away at his hay, dunking it in the bucket of water now and again.
At 12 o’clock Jon Garner finally closes the gates of the 26th cargo box. He wipes the sweat from his brow with his sleeve. A short breather, before checking to see that everything is okay inside the airplane. Everything is checked once again: The condition of the horses, the boxes, the palettes carrying the equipment, the paperwork. Thoroughness takes time. So, it is 2 o’clock by the time Jon Garner comes out of the airplane one last time, carrying the yellow safety vest in his hand. Everything is fine. Everything is ready for take-off. The vest can be handed back to his colleagues from Belgium. At the bottom of the steps he gives everyone a hug goodbye. Then, Jon Garner goes back inside the airplane. Back to his 67 protégés, together with them back to his homeland, back to his show. A show at which one of these protégés could write sporting history on Sunday.

In a few days' time, Scott Brash will have the legendary opportunity to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, if he rides to victory in the Major at the Spruce Meadows 'Masters'. In an interview, the Scottish rider explained how he and his horse, "Hello Sanctos", have prepared for the show in Calgary, what he would like to read about himself one day and why the best decision in his life had something to do with football.
 

Only one week until Calgary! How have you experienced the time since your Major win in Aachen?
It was nice. There was a lot of media attention, but it wasn't crazy. A Major is a Grand Prix that every rider wants to win and it was one of my ultimate dreams to win in Aachen. It was a wonderful feeling and it was great reflecting on that over the past few months. But now I’m excited and looking forward to Spruce Meadows. “Hello Sanctos” feels in good form, we’re just trying to make our final preparations with him. His last show was in a grass arena, we tried to make it as near to Calgary as we can. 

What kind of horse is “Sanctos” when he is at home?

He’s a very clever horse, so I think he knows that he’s good. He knows he’s the king of the stable. But he’s very laid-back and relaxed at home, does everything at his own pace. So, everyone has to go at his pace. He loves being at home, loves relaxing, loves hacking out. But when he enters the arena, he comes alive.

Who will come with you to Calgary? Will your family and girlfriend be there?
My girlfriend Hannah looks after my horses, so she will be there. She’s fantastic with the horses, she absolutely loves them and takes great care of them. She will be with “Sanctos” all of the way and hopefully, she will be on the flight with him. My father, who is busy at work and only comes to some big shows, is coming. My horse owners and my farrier are coming, too. There are many people coming to Spruce Meadows and it makes me want to win even more. It’s going to be a nice show.

Are you nervous or excited when you compete at such an important show like Calgary?
I wouldn’t say I’m nervous, I just really want to do well, so when it becomes really big, I am very focused on what I have to do.

When was the last time that you were really excited at a show?
When I won in Aachen. That feeling when you win, that feeling when you target a class and prepare for a class that you have had your mind set on for a long time before. And then go there and win the class, that is an incredible feeling. There’s no better feeling in the world.

If you wouldn’t have become a show jumper, what would be your profession?
When I was younger I was quite a good footballer, but it got to the point when I was eleven or twelve when it was going to be the football or show jumping. I chose show jumping and I’m glad about my decision. But if possible, I would have stuck a little bit more into football.

Your father owns a construction company. Have you ever considered joining the family business?
Not really, I see how much stress my father is under. He’s very good at what he does and it looks like a tough job.

You once said that your father has been your childhood idol. So, is he the person, who has influenced you most in your life?
My whole family has been a big influence, always supporting me and being behind me. If things ever went wrong, they would be there to help. Growing up, they were fantastic to have.

The best advice you ever got?
I have had some fantastic advice from a lot of people, but I think the best is to stay the term and to never give up on your dreams. I don’t regret anything I have done in my life. I think it’s important to make different experiences, good and bad, it makes you who you are.

Who inspires you today?
Many different people for many different reasons. I’m inspired by my horse owner Lord Harris about what he has done for many people. He is so enthusiastic for everything. Achieving the next goal and the next dream. He runs a lot of schools and he changes these kids' lives. They are very well educated and get a really good start to life. He, Lady Harris as well as Lord and Lady Kirkham have also done a lot for healthcare in Britain, for charities like animal health trust. My horse owners are wonderful people and I will always have the greatest respect for them.

What is the best thing about life as a professional show jumper? What is the worst thing?
The best thing is seeing all those wonderful countries and beautiful venues. The worst thing is maybe the amount of traveling. We live out of a suitcase, really. We are home for two or three days a week and then we are away again and again. It’s quite tiring and tough on people. You need a really good team behind you. But we do all love it. Being home for a couple of weeks, we want to be at the next show. So, it’s what we love doing.

What do you do to relax when you are always on the road? Do you have some hobbies beside horses?
There’s not much time, to be honest, but I just love being at home. I have bought a new yard in Sussex near Hickstead and I just love the area with nice people around us, just going out for dinner and relaxing a little bit. But if I ever have a bit of time, I like to play golf, that’s quite relaxing.

When was your last holiday?
A long time ago actually. But my girlfriend and I have decided to go on holiday this year in October. We are planning to go to Dubai for a week or so. It will be nice to go and relax.

And maybe with a little bit more money to spend. So, let’s go back to Spruce Meadows. What will you do in the hours before the Grand Prix?
I will just do what I normally do before a big Grand Prix. Take “Sanctos” out, stretch his legs, make sure he feels good. And then be focused on the course and walk the course early.

Do you have some rituals or a lucky charm?
No, I’m very boring in that way, I’m not very superstitious.

But you always wear this bracelet on your wrist…
That was actually a gift that an owner gave me directly after the Olympics. It’s just a nice gift I wear. But maybe it is lucky, I don’t know.

Regardless of the outcome in Spruce Meadows, how have you experienced your journey with Rolex so far?
What Rolex has done for the sport is incredible. They have put this series on, which is fantastic for us riders to aim for. It has really generated more publicity for the sport, a lot more people are following our journey to see if we can do it. It’s great for the sport. Rolex has been a fantastic sponsor for show jumping for many years and it’s great to have their continued support.

If you could capture one of the moments of your journey with Rolex in a frame for your living room wall, which one would that be?
It would be coming through the finish line in Aachen, finding out that we'd won. It was probably the best feeling I have had for a long time.

If Rolex issues an anniversary publication about the Grand Slam of Show Jumping in a couple of decades, what would you like to read about Scott Brash in it?
It would be nice to be remembered for achieving a lot of goals and being on top of the sport for a long period of time. I hope one day, people will look back on me as one of the legends of the sport the same as Ludger Beerbaum or Marcus Ehning. It would be great to read about that one day.

And the headline of the chapter?
Hopefully “A dream came true”. Because if it could be done in Calgary, if I could win, it would be an absolute dream come true.

In just a few days' time, the eyes of the world will be cast on Calgary! Because when the prestigious Spruce Meadows 'Masters' begins on September 9th, the international show-jumping elite will gather there to compete against each other in the "International Ring". In a short interview, Senior Vice President, Ian Allison, reveals why the show is extra special this year.

Mr. Allison, in a few days, Spruce Meadows opens its doors for the 'Masters', the second Major of the year in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Are you looking forward to the show?

Spruce Meadows is both excited and honoured to welcome the world’s best horses and riders to it grounds for the 'Masters'. This 40th anniversary edition of the Spruce Meadows 'Masters' has an extraordinary number of wonderful story lines, but none more so than that of Scott Brash.

That's right, because after his Major victories at the CHI in Geneva in 2014 and at the World Equestrian Festival Aachen in 2015, Scott Brash now has the legendary chance to win the Rolex Grand Slam and thus write equestrian sport history. The only thing that is missing is the victory in the Grand Prix of Spruce Meadows, the “‘CP International’, presented by Rolex". Are you keeping your fingers crossed for him?

There is a reason why Scott is currently the number 1 ranked rider in the world and in play to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. He is truly a complete horseman and dedicated athlete, who has put together an impressive résumé very quickly. The entire sport should be excited about this historic time. Scott and Hello Sanctos have the opportunity to achieve something that has never been done in our sport.  

And the world will be watching him do it! How many spectators and media representatives are you expecting on site?

We expect 200,000 fans, to accredit over 100 media on site and to have an impressive global television reach. All of the elements are in place for a true Major.

Sunday, April 13th, 1975, Spruce Meadows, lying just outside the gates of the metropolis Calgary, at the foot of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. A date, a venue, an event that was to write sporting history. Because the equestrian centre, which the Southern family was to officially open on this day, has long since become one of the most famous sporting venues in the world. Spruce Meadows is family-run up until this very day, still following the principle of the original quest to create a unique atmosphere of friendship, trade and top sport.

The figures speak an impressive language: Riders from 57 nations have already competed at the site, which, spanning 553 acres, offers sufficient space to house over 300 football pitches. 14 riding areas, two halls and stables for 1,000 horses – gigantic dimensions that can only be grasped by those, who have actually visited the location in person. Half a million visitors annually can confirm this. So too can the world elite of the show jumping sport, who contest the Grand Prix in the “International Ring” during the prestigious ‘Masters’ – the second leg of the year in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Now, in Spruce Meadow’s 40th anniversary year, precisely here in this legendary arena, a further milestone in the history of the equestrian sport could be set. Namely by Scott Brash. The Olympic gold medallist is the first rider ever to succeed in winning two consecutive Majors in the Rolex Grand Slam. Starting with the CHI Geneva in December 2014, where Brash and his exceptional horse “Hello Sanctos” rode to victory in the Rolex Grand Prix, the pair left their fellow competitors trailing behind them this May at the World Equestrian Festival as well. Now that the Brit has won first place in the “Rolex Grand Prix, the Grand Prix of Aachen”, competing at Spruce Meadows will allow him to unlock the impressive sum of 500,000 Euros – the reward for two Major victories in succession.

If Brash succeeds in winning the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’, he could double this bonus. However, it is not just the one million Euros that are attracting the 29-year-old to the top show in Canada: The ascent to the Olympus of the equestrian sport is what lures him. To achieve what no other rider has managed to achieve ever before! Winning the three most demanding and most famous Grand Prix in the world directly in a row.  Geneva, Aachen and now the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’. Making the Rolex Grand Slam perfect. And becoming a legend in the process! 

However, two lists underline the fact that it is not going to be an easy task. As every year, the top international riders will be on the entry list. Not to forget the list of previous winners: Rodrigo Pessoa, Ludger Beerbaum, Jos Lansink, Nick Skelton, Jeroen Dubbeldam, John Whitaker – the list is full of the names of world champions, Olympic gold medallists and equestrian sport idols. The two Canadian national heroes, Eric Lamaze and Ian Millar, have already succeeded  in adding their names to the list. Millar even managed this feat twice with the sensational horse “Big Ben”, last year the ten-time Olympic Games participant claimed the victory in the “CP ‘International’ presented by Rolex” with “Dixson”. Now it is down to Scott Brash to follow in the tracks of Millar. Ride into the “International Ring” and win. Face the ultimate challenge. The whole world will have their eyes cast on him. Will he manage to pull off this sensational feat? Will he win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping? Sunday, 13 September 2015. A date, a venue, an event that could write sporting history.

For Scott Brash the dream of claiming the victory in the Rolex Grand Slam is almost within reach. His personal Rolex Grand Slam started at the CHI Geneva in 2014, where the British rider, who is in the meanwhile number one in the world rankings, finished first with his top horse "Hello Sanctos" after jumping double clear. During the Rolex Grand Prix in Aachen a few weeks ago, the exceptional show-jumper had a déjà-vu experience in front of 40,000 spectators: Three clear rounds and the fastest time in the jump-off after reaching the finish line in 48.04 seconds – these were the ingredients for the phenomenal victory in a nail-biting final. He had also placed his bets on the right horse in Aachen, namely on "Hello Sanctos". In September, he will have the opportunity as the first show-jumper ever to claim a triple victory in the Spruce Meadows "Masters" in Calgary. If the 29-year-old succeeds in winning the Grand Prix there again, he will become an equestrian sport legend. Because nobody else has ever achieved this feat before. He would also pick up a huge bonus. Because whoever wins all three Major shows - in Aachen, in Spruce Meadows, and in Geneva - in succession, has the chance to win one million Euros on top of the prize-money.

Brash has already competed in Calgary once before. And he is looking forward to returning: "I like the showgrounds, even though they do differ from Aachen. Aachen excels with its fantastic atmosphere and huge stadium. In Calgary the atmosphere is also unique, but the stadium is of course totally different." He already rode "Hello Sanctos" at his Calgary premiere and he felt quite at home there, which is actually a good omen. Nevertheless, Brash is facing the last obstacle with a down to earth attitude and with "understatement". "It is going to be everything but easy, taking the victory for the third time in succession. Many other very good riders have to tried to pull off this feat before me. It was already very difficult winning two shows consecutively and three in a row…that will be very, very difficult," was his realistic assessment. Especially since the British rider is aware, that he will face very strong competition: "Around 50 participants will try to win the Grand Prix. The riders from the USA and Canada have a small home advantage perhaps, because they already competed there in the summer. So they will be tough to beat, but then so will the Europeans."

The system of the Rolex Grand Slam is simple: The rider has to participate in all 3 Majors within the same cycle.  If he wins the three shows, he picks up a bonus of 1 million Euros on top of the prize-money. In case of two consecutive wins out of three, he is granted a  bonus of 500,000 Euros. If the two victories are non-consecutive the bonus totals 250,000 Euros. The rider can choose the horse he wishes to compete with. It is therefore possible to win the bonus riding different horses. This system is infinite, in other words it is not dependent on the calendar year. It is thus an endless story.

On the way to becoming a legend: The Scottish rider, Scott Brash, is the first show-jumper in history to win two Major shows in succession. After his victory at the CHI Geneva in December, he also won the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen on Sunday. Now, at the coming Major show, the Spruce Meadows “Masters” (Calgary, Canada, from 9 to 13 September, 2015) he has the chance to go down in history – as the first Rolex Grand Slam winner of all time. We talked to the overjoyed, exceptionally talented rider.

Scott Brash, congratulations on this fantastic victory! Two days ago you said that you definitely wanted to achieve the second victory in the Rolex Grand Slam. You have now attained this goal. How does that feel?

Brash: Incredible, simply incredible. It really was my dream to win in Aachen. I think winning here in this impressive stadium, in this most beautiful arena is the best place to win in the whole world. The Rolex Grand Prix is extremely demanding. The obstacles were very high, the course demanding – and also technical. But that was to be expected, because the best riders and horses in the world compete in Aachen. And when seven riders reach the jump-off as well, that is of course fantastic for the spectators. Winning here is simply incredible.

You were the last to compete in the jump-off. Did that increase the pressure?

Brash: No, to be honest, I like riding last. When you enter the ring as the last rider, you know exactly what you have to do. That was true for the jump-off too: I knew, where I had to be careful and that made it easier for me. Daniel Deußer had already produced an excellent round. It was obvious that the last obstacle would decide who would carry off the victory. So, I had to simply do my best to stay clear in a very good time that would ultimately suffice for the victory. Luckily, it did suffice…

Last year you claimed that Hello Sanctos is not very happy in Aachen. You only came 29th in the Rolex Grand Prix. Has he changed his mind now?

Brash: Yes, definitely (laughing). Last year – for whatever reason – we didn’t do very well in Aachen at all. That is why I directly took part in the training session on the first day with Hello Sanctos this year, in order to get him used to the atmosphere. Yes, it is strange. He already felt better during the training than he did last year, on Saturday he was even a little bit better again, although still not ideal. And then on Sunday, he really surprised me in the Rolex Grand Prix. He jummped fantastically.

Will you ride Hello Sanctos at the FEI European Championships in Aachen or will you rather rest him for the third Major show, the Spruce Meadows “Masters”?

Brash: The Europeans will be very important for the British Team and they are counting on me, and the Rolex Grand Slam is definitely part of my main focus of the season.

Looking ahead to the future: Do you think you might be able to win the “Masters” and thus ultimately make history?

Brash: It is already very difficult to win one of the Major competitions, two in succession is incredible and three in a row is almost impossible. It is going to be really difficult, but of course I will give it my very best shot and will try to win. 

What a triumph, what a sensation: Scott Brash is writing history. The 29-year-old Scottish rider is the first rider ever to win two Major Shows in succession. Previous to today’s victory in the Rolex Grand Prix at the World Equestrian Festival Aachen 2015, he also triumphed at the CHI in Geneva, Switzerland in December. If he also manages to ride to victory at the next Major competition, the Spruce Meadows “Masters” in September in Canada, Brash will become a legend – namely as the first winner of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

Seven riders from five nations reached the jump-off. Scott Brash was the last to compete in the jump-off and demonstrated nerves of steel. Because Daniel Deußer (Germany) had put him under pressure with a fast clear round, the clock had stopped at 48.37 seconds. And then came Brash: At the tricky point before a vertical he chose the long route, “Hello Sanctos” raced forwards, one last jump over the Rolex obstacle, all eyes cast on the clock: 48.04 seconds. Victory! The spectators also played a big role today, because they fired on the Scottish rider enthusiastically: “I can quite seriously say from the bottom of my heart that you are the best crowd in the world,” stated Brash in Aachen.

The Rolex Grand Slam unites the three Major shows - Aachen, Spruce Meadows (Canada) and Geneva. If a rider wins the Grand Prix at these three competitions in succession, he wins the Rolex Grand Slam – a feat which no rider has managed to achieve so far. A Rolex Grand Slam brings the rider a bonus of one million Euros in addition to the prize-money, for two victories in a row there is a bonus of 500,000 Euros. After his victory at the CHI Geneva last December and today here in Aachen, Scott Brash has already secured himself half a million Euros in addition to the prize-money. “Of course, that was going through my head, but in the jump-off, I simply concentrated on one jump after the other.”

For Brash the journey continues in September. The next Major show will be staged from September 9th-13th, in Canada, at the Spruce Meadows “Masters” in Calgary. In order to secure himself the half a million, Brash merely has to take part at the “Masters”. “I will ride there – even if I have broken my leg,” joked Brash. Of course, there is much more at stake for the Scottish rider: It is his chance to take the last step on the way to the Rolex Grand Slam. If Scott Brash rides to victory in the “CP International presented by Rolex" he will win the third Major show in succession. What an amazing story!

Scott Brash. Christian Ahlmann. Kent Farrington. Beezie Madden. Steve Guerdat. Edwina Alexander. Ludger Beerbaum. It is the crème de la crème, the absolute world-class of the show jumping sport, who will be competing at the Aachen Soers at the weekend. The World Equestrian Festival is the first Major show of the year and with it the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping enters its third year.

Which rider will begin his personal Grand Slam? Or will the journey continue perhaps? It could do for Scott Brash! After his victory in the Rolex Grand Prix of the CHI Geneva 2014, the British rider could notch up a second Major triumph in succession. In addition to the regular prize-money, a 500,000-Euro bonus is awaiting him in Aachen– a further victory in September at the Spruce Meadows “Masters” would turn him into a legend: He could go down in history as the first rider to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. As the first rider in history to achieve this feat, he would pick up an incredible one million Euros on top of the prize-money.

In 2013, the first year of the Rolex Grand Slam, Nick Skelton from Great Britain was able to win the Major in Aachen with his exceptional stallion “Big Star”. In 2014, it was a German athlete, Christian Ahlmann, who after winning at the Soers had the chance to claim the prestigious Rolex Grand Slam title. In the saddle of “Codex One“, he was the only rider to jump clear in the jump-off and was eternalised on the legendary winners’ board in Aachen for the first time in his career. However, Ahlmann‘s dream of winning the Grand Slam came to an end in Spruce Meadows, after unfortunately finishing in 18th place. The hope of claiming the “two-out-of-three” bonus worth 250,000 Euros, which a victory at the Major in Geneva would have brought him, is also over.

The Rolex Grand Slam also ended very soon for the winner of the Spruce Meadows “Masters”, Ian Millar: The Canadian rider, who has participated at the Olympic Games a record number of times, didn’t compete at the CHI Geneva, which meant he was eliminated. Because although the riders are allowed to compete on different horses in the Major competitions, they are obliged to compete at all three events, in order to remain in the running to win the biggest coup in the show jumping sport.
So, all eyes will be on Scott Brash in the afternoon of May 31st, 2015 when he enters the main stadium in Aachen! “It will be very difficult,” admitted the Olympic gold medallist up front. “But I am really looking forward to the Rolex Grand Prix. My horse ‘Hello Sanctos‘ is in fantastic shape and we have prepared him for Aachen in a targeted manner.” Last year, the bay gelding let himself get very distracted by the Soers atmosphere and knocked two fences down.

Whether “Hello Sanctos” will show stronger nerves this time? But even then, it will remain exciting to the very last moment! After all, when the international top riders compete against each other with their top horses, every pair can win, every canter stride, every breath taken can determine the winner.

Ultimately, the time decides it all! Time for unique victories, time for top sport in a league of its own, time for the opening event of the year in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – time for the World Equestrian Festival Aachen 2015!

Quote Christian Ahlmann, winner of the Rolex Grand Prix Aachen in 2014.

“The Rolex Grand Slam is a series that is unparalleled. Each show is exceptional in itself. They are shows that look back on a great tradition with a Grand Prix that every show-jumper would like to win at least once in his life. The additional bonus on top is something very special. We are extremely grateful to Rolex and the organisers that they have made this possible. It moves our sport quite a few steps forward. It is extremely difficult to win all three competitions. I tried to pull it off again twice within one year, managed to reach the jump-off once, but unfortunately I picked up four faults. My chances of winning the Rolex Grand Prix Aachen in 2015? I will, of course, give it my best shot, but everyone is highly motivated and Scott Brash is in very good form at the moment and he will also try his hardest to win. One thing is definitely certain: It is going to be super sport.”

The brandnew Rolex Grand Slam Magazine is released. Learn all about the three Majors CHIO Aachen, CSIO Spruce Meadows "Masters" and the CHI Geneva. Furthermore we present the childhood heroes of the Major winners and interesting backround information about the perfect turf in the main stadium of Aachen. 

Browse online now

He was the last rider in the jump-off and he went on to finish first:
Riding his Olympic horse, Nino des Buissonnets, the Olympic gold medallist, Steve Guerdat, winner of the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI in Geneva in 2013, relegated the 19-year-old Irish show-jumper, Bertram Allen with Romanov, into second place, beating his time by almost a second to take the victory in the Grand Prix in La Baule. The Brazilian rider, Marlon Modolo Zanotelli, came third with Rock'N Roll Semilly. In total, ten pairs reached the jump-off in the competition that was endowed with 200,000 Euros in prize money.

Major winner, Steve Guerdat from Switzerland, has added a further impressive chapter to his success story. In the Thomas & Mack Arena in Las Vegas, he won the World Cup Final with Albfuehren’s Paille. “I am overjoyed,” said Guerdat, who rode to victory in the Major competition in Geneva in 2013. In a dramatic final round, Guerdat crossed the finish line first ahead of Penelopé Leprevost from France and the Irish newcomer, Bertram Allen. Guerdat has already succeeded in reaching a place on the podium three times in the past, but this was the first time that he celebrated the victory.

Scott Brash, winner of the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI de Genève 2014, has got a new horse. The nine year old gelding Hello Forever made his debut with Brash at a national show at Aintree, UK. They made a great second place in the Grand Prix on Sunday.

An interview with Scott Brash, who has the chance to be the first equestrian athlete in history to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

Question: Your victory in the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva means that your personal Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping has begun. What do you think about the initiative?

Scott Brash: This initiative by Rolex is incredible for our sport. We are athletes – we need goals. The Rolex Grand Slam gives us a clear goal and we give our very best for the bonus. We, the athletes, have top conditions, which means in turn the spectators can of course experience top sport, because naturally every rider wants to win these three shows. Rolex has been an excellent partner in the field of show jumping for many years. It is fantastic to experience how this commitment and with it also the sport further develop – we are all extremely grateful for this.

Question: Nobody has been able to win the Rolex Grand Slam yet. You may able to write history…

Scott Brash: Yes, that's right, but it is going to be very, very difficult. Winning one of these shows is hard enough, but to win all three… I think Eric Lamaze succeeded in doing so once, but not in succesion. And Eric Lamaze had an incredible horse…

Question: You also have an incredible horse, "Hello Sanctos".

Scott Brash: That's true. He is the horse of my life, I enjoy every second with him. But, I am also lucky enough to have other top horses too.

Question: Do you already know which horse you will ride at the next Major Show, the World Equestrian Festival in Aachen on the last weekend in May?

Scott Brash: I'll have to wait and see. "Hello Sanctos" usually feels at home in any ring anywhere in the world – but I had the feeling that he didn't feel totally comfortable in Aachen. Which is why I could imagine opting to ride "Ursula" in Aachen.

Question: What are your plans for 2015?

Scott Brash: Of course, the focus clearly lies on Aachen: The Rolex Grand Prix in May and the FEI European Championships in August.

See the video on facebook.com/rolexgrandslam

Scott Brash's personal Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping has begun. The British show-jumper rode Hello Sanctos to victory in the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon at the third Major Show of the year, the CHI Geneva. The current number one in the world ranking list triumphed over twelve of the best riders in the world in the jump-off. He will now take on the ultimate challenge on the international equestrian sport circuit: The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

8,500 spectators euphorically celebrated Brash in the sold-out "Palexpo", the impressive arena near Lake Geneva. In a top-class jump-off, he crossed the finish line clear in the fastest time, narrowly beating Roger-Yves Bost (France) and Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (Sweden).

"It is fantastic now also being a part of the Rolex Grand Slam. I am extremely looking forward to the next leg in Aachen," commented Brash. He is particularly grateful to Rolex: "It is unbelievable what Rolex has been doing for our sport for such a long time." At the World Equestrian Festival on the last weekend in May, Scott Brash will attempt to become the first rider in history to win two Major Shows in succession – and be the first rider to claim a bonus in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

After riding to victory in the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen in the summer, Christian Ahlmann from Germany also did his very best to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. After picking up four faults in the first round of the "CP International presented by Rolex" at the Major Show in Canada, the Spruce Meadows "Masters" exactly three months ago today, he jumped clear in the first round in Geneva and thus qualified for the jump-off. However, after knocking the penultimate obstacle, he ultimately finished eleventh in the competition.

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping has been the beginning of a new era in the field of equestrian sport. The quest to win the most difficult-to-obtain trophies in the world of equestrian sport unites the top riders from all over the globe. 

The Major tournaments Aachen, Spruce Meadows and Geneva – all prestigious names on the international equestrian sport circuit, which are now connected by a spectacular bonus system: Turning the Rolex Grand Slam into a truly infinite story, into one of the most exciting concepts in the history of international sport.

Christian Ahlmann put in a strong first appearance. The German show-jumper succeeded in qualifying for the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday straight away at the CHI Geneva. After jumping clear, he finished in eighth place with "Codex One" in the "Credit Suisse Grand Prix". In the summer, he also competed in the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen with his top horse – where his personal "Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping" began. This alliance between the shows in Aachen, Geneva and the Spruce Meadows in Canada is the most prestigious and the most difficult trophy to win on the international equestrian sport circuit. The rider, who manages to claim the victory at all three shows in succession, wins the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – as well as one million Euros in prize-money. It is no longer possible for Christian Ahlmann to do that, because although he came first in Aachen, he didn't win in Canada. Nevertheless, if he rides to victory in Geneva, he will be the first rider in history to claim a bonus. Because the rider, who wins two out of three shows – albeit not in succession – receives a bonus of a quarter of a million Euros in addition to the prize-money. Which doesn't exactly ease the pressure on the rider: "The Rolex Grand Slam is the icing on the cake," said Christian Ahlmann. Of course, the pressure is high, but "I am very satisfied with our first performance. Codex is in good shape and I have a very good feeling about the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday."

The CHI Geneva starts today. In the concluding Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday, the decision will fall as to whether Christian Ahlmann succeeds in becoming the first rider in history to win a bonus in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. However, prior to this we will be taking a look back at the beginnings of the show and its long tradition.

They were courageous and had a great idea. 90 years ago, a delegation from the Geneva-based "L'Etrier" club visited an equestrian show in France – they returned home with the idea of organising an indoor show in Geneva too. On November 10th, 1926, two years later, on a Wednesday, the bold intention had become reality. The first show was organised at the "Palais des Expositions" parallel to the international automobile exhibition – the CHI Geneva was born. One could hardly suspect at the time that it was going to develop into one of the biggest success stories in the history of the international equestrian sport. The economic situation was poor; it was difficult to impress the people with a big international event. And yet the enthusiasm of the first organisers helped overcome the difficulties and turn the first event into one of the most traditional and most prestigious shows worldwide. 85 riders with 158 horses competed, Sandro Bettoni won the first Grand Prix with Scoiattolo. Between five and eight thousand visitors watched the individual competitions, the people stayed until late in the evening, the show was accepted. In the meantime, 40,000 people make their way into the arena on the days of the show – a fantastic success and a thoroughly solid basis for the famous and traditional history that followed that premiere event. The CHI has shown constant development, after an intermezzo in the Vernets Sports Centre, the event relocated to the huge Palexpo Arena at the beginning of the 1990s – which has remained the venue of the world's most famous indoor show ever since.

The "Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping" is returning to the foot of the Alps. As traditionally scheduled during the pre-Christmas period, the CHI Geneva is the third and last Major Show of the year. The most famous show-jumpers in the world meet up here at Palexpo, the legendary arena of huge dimensions, to see who will be crowned as the best of the best.

It was one of those magic moments that only happens in the world of sport, when the Swiss Olympic gold medallist Steve Guerdat won the "Rolex Grand Prix". He withstood the immense pressure here, in this tremendous arena in front of this unique, euphoric audience, his audience, and rode to victory with "Nino de Buissonnets". Wildly acclaimed by 8,500 fans in the sold-out arena.

The mission "Defending the Title" is going to be more difficult than ever this year, since the world elite is travelling to the famous Geneva Lake in an attempt to replace Guerdat as the titleholder. The World Champions from the Netherlands, both the Individual Champion Jeroen Dubbeldam and his equally successful team members, comprising of Jur Vrieling, Maikel van der Vleuten and Gerco Schröder, will be competing in Geneva. The "Oranjes" won the World Championships ahead of the team from France that comprised of the Vice World Champions Patrice Delaveau, Pénélope Leprevost, Kevin Staut, Simon Delestre and their reserve rider, Jérôme Hurel. The extremely strong French delegation will also be supported by the European Champion, Roger Yves Bost. Currently number one in the world rankings, Scott Brash from Great Britain, has also confirmed his participation, as well as the World Cup winner and "Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final" Champion, Daniel Deußer from Germany.

Steve Guerdat's victory last year marked the start of his personal "Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping". However, he made mistakes at the following CHIO Aachen and Spruce Meadows "Masters" Major Shows, which meant the dream of becoming the first rider to win the "Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping" was over. The same applies for Christian Ahlmann - he namely picked up four faults in the first round of the "CP International presented by Rolex" in Spruce Meadows. Nevertheless, when he travels to Geneva, Ahlmann still has the chance to pick up a bonus of a quarter of a million Euros – in addition to the prize money. Canada's Ian Millar won't be able to pursue his personal Rolex Grand Slam. After winning the "CP International presented by Rolex" in Spruce Meadows, Canada, his horse "Dixon" is currently in training to qualify for the Canadian Olympics – and Millar hasn't got another top horse at his stables, so he is reluctantly not going to be able to compete in Geneva.

Incidentally, the chances of a Swiss victory at the Palexpo are very good: Each of the last three Major Shows was won by a local hero - Steve Guerdat (CH) in Geneva, Christian Ahlmann (GER) in Aachen and Ian Millar (CAN) at Spruce Meadows. Whoever writes the next chapter in the traditional history of the CHI Geneva, which has been staged since 1926, whoever wins the "Rolex Grand Prix" at the CHI 2014 – will also go down in history as the next rider, who has the opportunity to win the "Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping", this ultimate equestrian sport challenge.