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.