Photo credits : Photobujard / CHI Geneva
The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping makes its highly anticipated return to the Concours Hippique International de Genève (the CHI Geneva) from 11–15 December and promises an exceptional schedule of world-class equestrian sport and entertainment. Having been named the world’s best show jumping competition ten times, the CHI Geneva brings together an elite line-up of top horse and rider combinations for five thrilling days of competition. Highlights include the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final on Friday evening and the pinnacle class, the Rolex Grand Prix, on Sunday afternoon.
Held in the iconic Palexpo Arena, competitors will face some of the year’s most challenging courses, demanding skill, precision, and a harmonious partnership between horse and rider. This year’s lineup features an impressive roster of the world's best, including 19 of the top 20, and six Rolex Testimonees, ensuring another unforgettable edition of this prestigious event.
Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – Rider Watch
Martin Fuchs once again returns to the CHI Geneva as the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender following his victory in the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament in September. Riding the striking grey gelding Leone Jei, Fuchs achieved this impressive feat for the second year in a row. The Swiss rider will now come to his home Major with bolstered confidence, reinforced by the fact that he was the first rider in history to win two consecutive Rolex Grand Prix titles at this very venue (in 2019 and 2021). Fuchs will seek to continue his journey to become the second ever rider to claim the sport’s ultimate prize – the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – and with the support of his home crowd, he will be the one to beat.
Joining him in the race for this coveted title is his Swiss teammate, World No.2 Steve Guerdat. With a storied career, Guerdat enters the competition on the back of a momentous year, having claimed his second individual Olympic medal – a silver to add to his previous gold – aboard Dynamix De Belheme in Paris. As a Rolex Testimonee renowned for his exceptional horsemanship, Guerdat has three Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors to his name, including a two victories in the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva. Last year, he made history claiming the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final once again, a title he had claimed twice before, in 2010 and 2018.
American show jumper and Rolex Testimonee Kent Farrington, another past winner of the CHI Geneva Rolex Grand Prix, will also be in contention. Farrington started this year off strong, with a Rolex Grand Prix win at the Jumping International de La Baule [part of the newly introduced Rolex Series] riding Greya. His compatriot, Mclain Ward, who is also currently ranked in the World’s top 10, will compete too, eager to reclaim the top spot in the Rolex Grand Prix that he last won in 2022.
Representing Great Britain, World No.3 Ben Maher brings a remarkable track record, with both individual and team Olympic gold medals among his many accolades. Although still chasing his first Rolex Grand Slam Major title, Maher’s ambition and skill certainly make him one to watch. Joining him is his Olympic teammate and Rolex Testimonee Scott Brash, the only rider to date to have accomplished the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.
Current World No.1, Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann once again heads to the CHI Geneva on an impressive streak, evidenced by holding his top ranking for 28 consecutive months. His legendary partner, King Edward, made history as the first horse in 25 years to win consecutive FEI Jumping World Cup™ Finals in Riyadh this year. Meanwhile, Austria’s Max Kühner, who claimed victory at the Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters in 2021, is also expected rise to the occasion.
Among the French riders, Julien Epaillard and Rolex Testimonee Kevin Staut are strong competitors. Epaillard has been in outstanding form in 2024, with multiple CSI5* wins and a team bronze medal for France at the Paris Olympics. Staut has previously won the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva as well as the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final, so remains a consistent opponent.
For Germany, both show jumping Olympic Champion Christian Kukuk, and the only three-time eventing Olympic Champion, Michael Jung are entered. Joining them is compatriot and Rolex Testimonee Richard Vogel, who will be aiming to defend his Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva title after last year’s triumph. Vogel, the latest member of Rolex’s esteemed family of Testimonees, has since been in remarkable form, securing third place in the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen and recently clinching victory in the FEI Jumping World Cup™ Qualifier in Lyon.
Irish hopes will be high, as four riders from the Emerald Isle who are currently ranked among the world’s top 20 will take to the stage at the CHI Geneva, namely Darragh Kenny, Cian O’Connor, Daniel Coyle, and Conor Swail. Currently ranked World No. 10, Swail stands out as Ireland’s strongest contender, with an impressive track record across Europe and the Americas. Amongst many others, Swail also promises to be an impressive challenger in this year’s highly anticipated Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva.
Photo credits : Tiffany Van Halle
Congratulations, you are once again the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender. How do you feel, and do you feel any added pressure going to your home Major, the CHI Geneva?
Being the live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is an incredible feeling. Competing at such prestigious and unique events is already a privilege, but winning one of the Rolex Grand Prix events at a Major makes it truly special. After my win in the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, I am heading to CHI Geneva with a lot of confidence.
Can you explain your emotions when you realised that you had once again won the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament?
To be honest I was initially quite disappointed about having a pole down. I felt like I did not ride the jump-off the way I had hoped and I blamed myself because Leone Jei was spectacular in all three rounds. I thought I had cost us the victory.
When Darragh Kenny had a rail down, things became a bit more exciting, and a small sense of hope crept in that we might still have a chance. However, I didn’t truly believe it was possible – especially with Daniel Deusser and Killer Queen VDM coming in last. They looked incredibly fast, and I was certain they would beat my time. I did not think they would have eight faults, which made me even more upset with myself. However after their mistake at the last fence, it hit me that I had won the most incredible Grand Prix – the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament – once again.
What qualities does Leone Jei possess that sets him apart from other horses you’ve worked with?
Leone Jei is a phenomenal horse. He is so motivated and loves to jump – no fence is too big to him, and no arena is too much for him – he can jump anything, anywhere. He has a fantastic stride, huge scope and is very careful. Every time I enter the arena for a Rolex Major or a big Rolex Grand Prix, I feel like we can win it. It is a great feeling to have, to be able to really rely on your partner, and I know that when I do my job well, he will jump a clear round.
As one of the world’s best riders, how do you build trust and communication with your horses, both in and out of the arena?
That is something that builds over time. My partnership with Leone Jei started over six years ago when I rode him for the very first time, and over the years we have become closer and closer. It is important to try and understand your horse, what is best for them and how best to strengthen your bond. Over the past year-and-a-half I feel as if Leone Jei and I have gotten even stronger and closer, and this has resulted in our most successful season together to date.
Leone Jei loves the CHI Geneva and I love it too. We will both be giving our very best to try and make it a brilliant experience, and claim the title once again.
You have won the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva and the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, one indoors and on an artificial all-weather surface, and one outdoors and on grass. How do the two shows compare, and do you have to prepare differently?
They are both similar in that they are two of the best shows in the world. The four Rolex Majors are the shows that I enjoy the most and look forward to all year round, so the goal is to always be in best form for these events.
Having the CHI Geneva in our home country makes it even more special, and the atmosphere and support of the fans makes it one of my favourite shows. I don’t really train the horses differently, apart from jumping indoors before the CHI Geneva and outdoors before the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament. I am lucky because Leone Jei has been everywhere and has seen all the different arenas – he doesn’t mind what type of surface he jumps on.
What similarities do you see between show jumping and other sports, such as tennis or golf, especially in terms of mental preparation and performance?
I think in every sport or profession we all strive for perfection – we all want to be the best at what we do, aim for precision and excellence, as well as having a strong work ethic every day.
Do you believe show jumping could learn anything from how other sports engage with their audiences or manage competition formats?
I believe we should work on making show jumping more accessible to a wider audience. Not necessarily the competitive show jumping itself, but the structure – such as the calendar, the types of shows, and the various series – can be challenging for someone outside the sport to understand. For example, there is the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, the Rolex Series, the FEI Jumping World Cup™, and the FEI Nations League. To someone who doesn’t know the sport, distinguishing between these can be confusing, particularly when trying to grasp the differences between the Rolex events, which feature the best riders and highest-level competition, and other series that offer significant prize money but are less prestigious.
The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is considered the ultimate challenge in equestrian sport. What does it mean to you as a rider to compete in your home Major, the CHI Geneva?
The CHI Geneva is a highlight of the year for me. The home crowd, the rich history, and the unique atmosphere in the arena make it truly incomparable. Winning there was incredibly special, and coming close to repeating that victory is a huge motivator for me.
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