Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping

The Turkish Airlines-Prize of Europe at the CHIO Aachen 2014, which starts at 2.15 p.m. later today, is the first opportunity for the participating show-jumpers to qualify for the Rolex Grand Prix, Grand Prix of Aachen. A great deal of concentration is required to master the demanding course consisting of obstacles measuring up to 1.55 m. The jumping competition with one round and a jump-off is endowed with 76,000 Euros of prize-money and is one of the most traditional competitions at the World Equestrian Festival. It was staged for the first time in the year 1957. Back then, Hans Günter Winkler won the competition with his top horse Halla. Who is going follow in his footsteps more than 55 years later? There is a very high-class line-up of riders on the starter list.

The reigning Olympic gold medallist Steve Guerdat will be saddling his 13-year-old grey mare, "Nasa" for this competition. And the Belgian show-jumper, Pieter Devos, who like Guerdat, is also on course for success in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, will be competing with his top horse "Dream of India Greenfield". However, he still has to qualify for the grand finale on Sunday, an obstacle that Guerdat doesn't have to overcome, because as the reigning Olympic gold medallist he automatically qualifies for the Rolex Grand Prix. However, Guerdat and Devos face strong competition, because the field of 54 competitors includes world-class show-jumpers and horses such as Pénélope Leprevost (FRA) with Nayana, Marcus Ehning (GER) with Cornado NRW, Ludger Beerbaum (GER) with Chaman, Ben Maher (GBR) with Wings Sublieme and Kevin Staut (FRA) with Oh D’eole.

Which show-jumpers ultimately qualify for the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon and thus also have a chance of starting their own personal Rolex Grand Slam, won't be decided until Friday, July 18th. Since, in addition to the Turkish Airlines Prize of Europe, the floodlit Mercedes-Benz Nations' Cup on Thursday evening and the Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia on Friday are also qualifiers for the Grand Prix. A total point system then decides which 40 riders are able to compete in the Rolex Grand Prix, one of the most demanding jumping competitions in the world.

Just yesterday, Steve Guerdat announced on the market square in Aachen during the reception of the CHIO partner country Switzerland: "I can't wait for the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday". He will be in action on the "Holy Grass" in the jumping stadium of the Aachener Soers later today. The reigning Olympic gold medallist will be competing with "Qui Vive De La Tour" in the STAWAG Prize, the opening jumping competition, which starts at 11.45 a.m., before entering the main stadium with his eight-year-old stallion "Kavalier" in the Sparkasse Youngsters Cup that begins at 2.15 p.m. "I want Kavalier to see this arena, so that he can gain experience, because I intend to ride him in Grand Prix in a few years' time."

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping returns to where it all began a year ago. Here, on the renowned show grounds in Aachen’s Soers, the world’s best equestrian athletes will try to write their very own chapter in the history books of horse sport. In front of 40,000 spectators in the main stadium, the temple of international equestrian sport. 
Steve Guerdat and Pieter Devos will especially be in the focus of the audience’s attention. The experienced Swiss rider and the Belgian newcomer could be the first competitors ever to win the coveted bonus. And with a victory in Aachen, Steve Guerdat could even have a chance to win the Grand Slam. One year ago, Nick Skelton was the first winner. The old hand Briton won the Rolex Grand Prix in front of Swiss Janika Sprunger. With that, he not only entered his name on the famous winners’ board, but his win also made him the first rider who could have been successful in the overall Rolex Grand Slam. As he was not able to compete in the Spruce Meadows “Masters” later in the year, he gave up this chance, because the prerequisite for winning the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is to consecutively start at three major events. No matter in which order, if a show jumper wins any one of the major events, he embarks on his personal Rolex Grand Slam. So at the CHIO Aachen 2014, Pieter Devos and Steve Guerdat have the chance to win a bonus on top of the normal prize money. If Devos wins the Rolex Grand Prix, he will receive an extra 250,000 Euros, according to the Rolex Grand Slam “two out of three” classification. By winning the Rolex Grand Prix, Steve Guerdat on the other hand can even hope for a total bonus of a million Euros – provided he wins the Spruce Meadows “Masters” in September as well. If he only wins in Aachen but not in Canada, he will take home an additional 500,000 Euros. It is crucial for the riders to compete in three events in a row, though they may participate with different horses.
Not only the riders are excited about this new initiative. The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is also highly regarded among media representatives and spectators. Now that equestrian sport returns home to Aachen’s Soers, the next chapter in this innovative success story begins. After the first year, Arnaud Boetsch, Rolex’ Director Communication & Image, draws a very positive conclusion about the new concept: “The Rolex Grand Slam has been overwhelmingly successful so far and has considerably raised the bar for this sport. We are very happy to be part of such an important initiative which enables horses and riders to prove their skills in this top show jumping series.” So who will be the best of the best in Aachen’s impressive stadium on the afternoon of July 20, 2014? Which horse/rider pair will shine with strong nerves and mastery, while remaining calm and relaxed despite the intense atmosphere in the biggest arena of equestrian sport? The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping has returned to where it all began. Welcome to Germany, welcome to the CHIO Aachen 2014.

Steve Guerdat will be competing at the CHIO Aachen 2014 with his Olympic gold horse Nino des Buissonnets. After his victory at the CHI in Geneva at the end of last year, the Swiss rider's personal Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping has begun. If he wins the Rolex Grand Prix in Aachen on July 20th, he will collect a bonus of 500,000 Euros.

In September he rode to victory at the Spruce Meadows Masters in Canada, and now he has repeated his success in China: Belgium's Pieter Devos won the most important jumping competition in Shanghai. Devos already reached the jump-off at the CHI in Geneva and thus demonstrated that he is certainly not to be underestimated in the future.  Hence, at the CHIO Aachen in just over a month's time he will also be a serious candidate – if he were to win at the Soers after his victory in Canada, he would be 250,000 Euros richer, because he is still  in the running to win the "2 out of 3 mode bonus“ of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Another impressive factor is that Devos has two irons the fire, the successful mare "Candy" with whom he won the Masters and "Dream of India", whom he had saddled in Shanghai when he outrated his fellow competitors.

The Concours Hippique International de Genève decided this spring to change the logo of their event. After some 15 years of loyal services from the previous graphic design, it was thought essential to uplift the event with a more modern image. 

The artist behind this new logo, Emilie Lacroix who was already the creator of the beautiful visuals for the CHI in 2013, took a more contemporary and energetic approach to the previous graphics of the horse jumping an obstacle. An implied reference has been introduced in the logo with the lake of Palexpo. The lake is trebled to underline the intensity of the event, bringing together competitions, attractions and expositions.

In regards to the colors chosen, they too are three; beige in reference to the indoor event on sand that is the CHI Geneva, green in allusion to the past logo and blue for the water in the lake.

Big Star, who Nick Skelton rode to victory in the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen 2013, will celebrate his sporting comeback at the Royal Windsor Horse Show after a prolonged period of injury. Big Star had to take a break from competing after sustaining an injury in August. Nick Skelton and Big Star did compete at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, but only in the small classes. In Windsor, they will be facing tough competition from their own country: Scott Brash and Ben Maher, both from Great Britain, are currently under the top three in the show-jumping world ranking list. 

He is the first rider, who has the chance to write equestrian sport history: After his victory at the Spruce Meadows `Masters´, the Belgian rider, Pieter Devos, has the opportunity to become the first show jumper to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping when the CHI Geneva begins tomorrow.  If he rides to victory in the Rolex Grand Prix he will secure himself 500,000 Euros in addition to the regular prize-money, a further victory in the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen next year would mean he would pick up one million in total.  But even more important than that, he would become a sporting legend.  We talked to him about Calgary, Geneva and his current state of mind.

What was it like beating Steve Guerdat and Penelope Leprevost in one of the toughest jumping competitions in the world, the CN International Grand Prix presented by Rolex at the Spruce Meadows `Masters´?
Phenomenal.  I still can’t really believe it, Steve is the Olympic gold medallist, one of the best riders in the world. It wasn’t until I saw Steve next to me during the prize-ceremony that I knew it was actually true. It was of course the best day in my sporting career so far.

How has the success changed your life?
Many doors have opened up, I have been invited to shows that I wasn’t able to compete at before.  The press is showing increased interest in me, it really has promoted my career.

Did you have a party at home?
Yes, we did actually hold a small party for the first time ever after a victory in a Grand Prix.  Normally you carry straight on to the next show, focus on the next competition, life simply continues.  But this time I wanted to savour the moment and some of my friends said: It is time to celebrate.  And they were right (laughs).

What was the atmosphere in Calgary like for you?
It was the first time I competed there, the first time I entered the stadium was incredible, absolutely indescribable.  It is not a riding arena, it is a massive park.  It was an unbelievable experience.  During the Grand Prix the spectators were sensational they fired me on no end.  Beforehand everyone had told me how unbelievable it was, and I just kept saying yeah, yeah (laughs).  And now? I say to them: It is unbelievable (laughs).  Incidentally, something else made it particularly special winning there for me: I brought on and trained my horse “Candy” myself and a lot of people didn’t think we’d manage to win a difficult Grand Prix.  Well, we certainly showed them (laughs).

Tell me a bit about Candy.
She is not at all spooky and she has made fast progress.  Within no time at all, we were able to move on from 1.20-metre jumps up to 1.40-metre jumps.  And she is incredibly attentive and careful and she always fights hard for me – that is the most important thing.

Will you be riding her at the CHI in Geneva?
I think so.  I am extremely fortunate to have a second horse, namely “Dream of India Greenfield” that I can ride in the top competitions, but I will be placing my bets on Candy for Geneva.

What goes in Candy’s favour?
The hall in Geneva is huge and the mare needs plenty of space, so that is ideal for her. That is why she is going to be my first choice for Geneva.

How do you judge your chances?
It is not going to be easy (laughs).  No, seriously: The best riders in the world will be competing and they all want to win – whereas I am still pretty young and have little experience at such big indoor shows.  But that was the case before Spruce Meadows too, so why shouldn’t it work out again?  Why not be a bit optimistic.

You can write history…
…and be the first rider to win the Rolex Grand Slam.  A wonderful piece of history, which however certainly doesn’t make things easier.  I definitely won’t be completely relaxed in the saddle, because I know how many additional pairs of eyes will be fixed on me.  On the other hand, it does also give you a portion of extra motivation.

Do you think about it often?
I try to blend it out a bit.  It is one of the most exciting, perhaps indeed the most exciting pieces of history that is going to be written in the equestrian sport.  The Rolex Grand Slam doesn’t just stand for the opportunity to win a huge amount of money.  It also gives the riders a chance to go down in history.  Obviously, it is fantastic to have this chance, but it goes without saying: it puts an enormous amount of pressure on too.

What do you think about the Rolex Grand Slam?
It very good for the sport.  It gives us riders additional motivation, but the Rolex Grand Slam is much more than that, because it attracts a huge amount of attention.  Among the fans, the media, among everyone involved in the sport.

You are a professional rider, but you are not dependent on the sport to make a living…
No, I still work at my parent’s company, we produce and export fruit on our farm in Beekkevoort, Belgium…

…where you also train?
Yes, we have just moved into a newly erected stable block.  It is a totally new complex with a large outdoor arena, an indoor arena and 40 boxes.  The conditions are top.  Incidentally, another important point for me is that my girlfriend works there, she runs the stables.  My brother and sister-in-law ride too, we are a real family team.  And the company means we are a bit more independent and can keep some of the good horses.

Riding at top level, building a new yard, working at your parent’s company…
…the past few months and years definitely weren’t boring.  But let’s be honest: I am young and have wonderful opportunities, which you have to grasp and take advantage of and that is exactly what I am doing at the moment.

How did you find your way into the equestrian sport?
My parents had horses, so it was a logical step.  My first pony was called Moonjump, he wasn’t exactly very well behaved.  I don’t know exactly how often, but I fell off that many times that my parents wanted to sell him, but I didn’t want them to.  Ultimately, I learnt an awful lot from Moonjump.

Did you already want to become a show jumper back then with Moonjump?
Oh yes, that is all I wanted to do from the very first second I sat in the saddle: jump. My parents are also show jumpers, so there was no question about it.

You have shown very constant development, improving steadily all the time.  Have you got any specific plans or a major goal in your life?
Simply waiting to see what happens, is certainly not my strategy.  When I enter the ring, my plan is quite simple: I want to win.  If you don’t always try to win, you never will.  My major goal?  Taking part in the Olympic Games, that would be super.

What is your most outstanding characteristic?
I was never given horses that were ready to compete, that I just had to climb on and steer round the course.  In car jargon, one would say: I have never driven an automatic. I have always schooled my horses myself.  So, I would say my most outstanding characteristic is that I feel at home riding a wide range of different horses – because I adapt to suit the horse and not vice versa.  I don’t have one set system that has to work come what may; instead, I recognise the quality of a horse and try to exploit it to the full.  This has enabled me to reach top-level sport with several horses.

Pieter Devos stayed totally cool in the final round of the best twelve show-jumpers at the legendary Spruce Meadows 'Masters'. The Belgian rider was the only competitor to jump clear in the "CN International presented by Rolex". This triumph marked the start of his own personal Rolex Grand Slam, a challenge that he has the chance of pursuing at the CHI in Geneva from December 12^th-15^th.

Have you already got any plans in mid-December?

Pieter Devos: I certainly have now. I still can’t believe it, this victory is incredible. I will now also be competing at the CHI in Geneva, in the Rolex Grand Slam; a dream has come true here for me in Spruce Meadows.

Has it already sunken in that you now have the opportunity to become the first rider ever to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping?

Pieter Devos: Not really, it will still take a while to sink in. The Rolex Grand Slam is so very special, it puts the spotlight on our sport, it attracts so much attention among the spectators and media, and all of a sudden, I am right in the midst of it all, it is fantastic. I will have to try and take all of this in first.

How do you assess your chances in Geneva?

Pieter Devos: That is of course very difficult to answer because there is such a world-class field of participants. It is going to be the first time I compete there, so I have no experience there at all, but the hall is very very big, which will definitely suit my mare, “Candy”.

It was your first time in Spruce Meadows as well.

Pieter Devos: That is correct. Perhaps that is a good sign. Actually, they say you have to compete somewhere three times to get to know a showground well enough to be successful. However, I simply didn’t think about the other riders, I just concentrated on my rides and tried not to pick up any faults.

After your victory in Spruce Meadows, you were able to take a good look at the Rolex Grand Slam trophy. Did you already practice holding it up in the air?

Pieter Devos: Good heavens, no, I didn’t touch it of course – that brings back luck. We athletes are all a little bit superstitious.

A victory in the "CN International presented by Rolex" at the legendary CSIO5* Spruce Meadows 'Masters' is one of the top achievements in international equestrian sport. With his triumph on Sunday at the famous showgrounds at the foot of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Pieter Devos (Belgium) not only joined the ranks of famous winners, the 27-year-old also has the opportunity to be the first athlete to win the ultimate challenge of the equestrian sport: the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. "It is incredible that I now have the chance to win the Rolex Grand Slam, simply unbelievable, it is a dream come true," commented Devos.
 

Pieter Devos rode to victory in Canada in front of several tens of thousands of spectators in a thrilling competition, ahead of the Olympic gold medallist Steve Guerdat from Switzerland and the French show-jumper, Penelope Leprevost. Devos was the only rider to jump clear in the final round comprising of the best twelve riders. He crossed the finish line with his horse "Candy" just one thousandths of a second within the allowed time. Christian Ahlmann from Germany came fourth, ahead of his fellow compatriot, Patrick Stühlmeyer.
 

When the best show jumpers in the world meet up at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ from September 4th-8th, this year for the first time ever the focus will also be on the Rolex Grand Slam.  This ultimate challenge provides the competitors with the opportunity to become an international equestrian sport legend.  Seven of the ten leading riders in the world rankings will take part in this competition staged at the traditional showgrounds at the foot of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Beezie Madden is currently lying in second place in the world rankings.  According to the US-American rider, “the Rolex Grand Slam raises our sport up to an ever higher level.  It is fantastic that such a renowned company like Rolex, which is so closely linked to the world of sports, is showing such further commitment to our sport.”  The successful female rider, who will be competing with “Simon” and “Cortes C”,  is looking forward to the ‘Masters’.  Earlier this year she already came seventh in the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen with Cortes C.  She is very optimistic about the coming days: “At the ‘Masters’ the best riders in the world battle it out for the highest prize-money in the world at one of the best showgrounds in the world.  I will try my hardest and hope that at the end of the day that is a little bit more than all of the others are able to do…”

The French rider, Roger-Yves Bost, who recently won the European Championship title in Herning, Denmark, will also be competing in Spruce Meadows.  He can rely on the support of an extremely strong team comprising of Kevin Staut, Eugenie Angot and Penelope Leprevost.  Christian Ahlmann is currently heading the world rankings.  The favourites also include the Swiss Olympic gold medallist, Steve Guerdat.  For him the entire show is a unique highlight: “It is very exciting being able to compete at the ‘Masters’ – especially because of the Rolex Grand Slam.”  It is a home game for Eric Lamaze, who of course knows that in Canada all eyes will be on him – and that the fans and media love him more than anyone else.  Lamaze was able to ride to victory here in 2005 and 2011. “That was a dream come true for me,” he commented.  The next, the absolute ultimate success, would be winning the Rolex Grand Slam – “that would turn the rider into a legend,” said Lamaze.

It was a splendid kick-off to the Rolex Grand Slam.  Forty thousand spectators celebrated Nick Skelton as the first winner, Skelton, of all people, this veteran of the sport, who has experienced so many highs and lows.  And where else could this new chapter in the history of the jumping sport begin than at the CHIO Aachen?  The heart of equestrian sports beats at these showgrounds steeped in tradition.  International competitions have taken place in Aachen since the early nineteen twenties, throughout the years always in a magnificent setting. 
 

This quest for perfection based on a long history is shared by the organisers of the Spruce Meadows Masters.  In Canada from September 5^th - 8^th, the winner of the Grand Prix in Aachen will have the first chance to win a bonus in the Rolex Grand Slam.  If Nick Skelton also rides to victory here, he has the opportunity to win an additional one million Euros in prize- money in Geneva in December.   Located at the foot of the Canadian Rocky Mountains the long tradition of Spruce Meadows, an extraordinarily good infrastructure and enthusiastic spectators provide an exceptional atmosphere, which attracts the best riders in the world.  It is a magical place for equestrian sports and their fans, one where history can be written.  And every year one has the impression that the organisers have succeeded in further increasing the top quality of this event.  The Masters is always an extraordinary week.  The best horses in the world are found in the stables and tens of thousands of spectators are in the stands waiting to celebrate the horses and riders from 13 nations.  Christian Ahlmann, Hans-Dieter Dreher, Lars Nieberg and Daniel Deußer will be travelling to Spruce Meadows from Germany. Spruce Meadows and the Rolex Grand Slam are one of the highlights of the year for Deußer. “Together with Aachen, Spruce Meadows is one of the best and most traditional showgrounds in the world.  I am very much looking forward to the challenge of the Grand Prix (CN International presented by Rolex) on Sunday.”  Of course, his aim will be to win so that he can become part of the Rolex Grand Slam.
 

At the end of the week, that much is already certain, some of the riders will once again have become legends.  And everyone, both the fans and the athletes, will be eagerly awaiting the next Rolex Grand Slam event.  Next stop:  CHI Geneva, December 12-15th. 

Nick Skelton from Great Britain is the first rider in the history of the equestrian sport to take on the challenge of the Rolex Grand Slam.  After winning the Rolex Grand Prix at the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen 2013, he now has the opportunity to write equestrian sport history.  A victory in the CSIO 5* Spruce Meadows Masters (September 5th-9th) would open the door for him to the Rolex Grand Slam.  Because the rider, who manages to win the CHIO Aachen, the CSIO Spruce Meadows `Masters´ and the CHI Geneva in succession, wins the Rolex Grand Slam – and with it also an additional one million Euros in prize-money. “The Rolex Grand Slam is a fantastic initiative.  Now, things are going to get really exciting for me,” Skelton stated after his victory in Aachen.  Writing history seems to be in Skelton’s blood – he is the the scond rider (together with Piero d´Inzeo) to win the Grand Prix in Aachen four times.  As such, he has already long since become an equestrian sport legend and it even seems quite feasible that he could achieve the ultimate goal: “Of course, it is not going to be easy to win the Rolex Grand Slam, namely heading the field in the three first-class shows in Aachen, Calgary and Geneva in a row.  But who knows – perhaps I can simply carry on where I have left on in Aachen.”