The picture shows Philipp Weishaupt and "LB Convall", contenders for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, in the “International Ring” of Spruce Meadows. It can be used free of charge (picture: Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping/Kit Houghton).
The final qualifier for the “CP ‘International’, presented by Rolex” was on Saturday evening and now it is ultimately clear which pairs are allowed to compete in the grand final on Sunday in this year’s Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’, the second Major of the year in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.
In addition to the two Rolex Grand Slam contenders, Philipp Weishaupt and Steve Guerdat, Christian Ahlmann, the current number one in the world rankings and the winner of the Major in Aachen in 2014, is on the starter list together with his team colleague, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, winner of the Major in Aachen in 2005, as well as the Olympic gold team medallists, Roger-Yves Bost and Kevin Staut – winner of the Major in Geneva in 2010 – from France.
The Rolex Grand Slam winner Scott Brash from Great Britain and the Brazilian rider, Pedro Veniss, who came first and third respectively last year, are also qualified for the final together with the reigning Vice European Champion from Belgium, Gregory Wathelet and his fellow countryman, Olivier Philippaerts – the winner of the Major in 2012. The winner of the Major in 2009, McLain Ward, will also strive to repeat this exceptional achievement. A victory in the “CP ‘International’, presented by Rolex” would be the first Major title for his US American team colleague, Kent Farrington – and the current number two in the world rankings is without doubt one of the big favourites.
As such, the biggest names in the sport are all represented in the final of the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’. At the end of the day, one of them will write a further unique chapter in the history of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. One of them will go down in the history of the equestrian sport as a Major winner.