The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping made its much-anticipated return to the CHIO Aachen for the second equestrian Major of the calendar year. Beneath the dazzling lights of the historic main stadium, the spotlight this evening fell on the Turkish Airlines – Prize of Europe, the first qualifying class for Sunday’s prestigious Rolex Grand Prix.

Designed by renowned course builder Frank Rothenberger, the 1.60m track featured 14 combinations and presented a true test of skill and scope. As is so often the case at the World Equestrian Festival, the starting list was world-class. Among the star-studded field was Rolex Testimonee Richard Vogel, who claimed victory in this very class in 2024; Paris 2024 Olympic Individual Champion Christian Kukuk; and the current World No. 1 Kent Farrington, who was also first to enter the ring aboard his talented 10-year-old bay mare, Myla.

Farrington wasted no time in demonstrating exactly why he sits atop the world rankings, delivering a stylish and assured clear round as pathfinder. Third into the arena, crowd favourite Richard Vogel delighted the home fans by producing another clear and ensuring a jump-off.

Britain’s Adrian Whiteway was one of the unlucky few to incur a single time penalty, while Germany’s Hans-Dieter Dreher rode a faultless round. Belgium’s Emilie Conter, and the in-form Sophie Hinners added their names to the growing list of clear rounds. They were joined by none other than three-time Olympic gold medallist Ben Maher, adding additional depth to an already exceptional field. By the halfway point, eight combinations had delivered faultless rounds.

Germany’s Gerrit Nieberg then impressed aboard the distinctive-looking Ping Pong Van de Lentamel, while multiple Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major winner Steve Guerdat and Lillie Keenan also claimed their spots to jump again. Fourth-last to go, the ever-consistent Marcus Ehning ensured a total of five German riders would proceed to the second round.

Out of the original 46 starters, 12 combinations ultimately progressed to the jump-off. With riders returning to the arena in reverse order of merit from the first round, it was Germany’s Hans-Dieter Dreher who was first to take on the shortened course. He set an early benchmark with a clear round in 41.46 seconds. Next to challenge for the top spot was Great Britain’s Ben Maher, who shaved 1.81 seconds off Dreher’s time to take the provisional lead and add pressure on the remaining contenders. Germany’s Richard Vogel, looked poised to claim his second five-star win of the day, but stopped the clock just 0.27 seconds slower than Maher.

Israel’s Daniel Bluman then electrified the crowd with a daring round, taking the lead in a time of 38.81 seconds. Fittingly, it was the world’s top-ranked rider, Kent Farrington, who entered the iconic stadium as last to go, and with a masterfully judged performance, he clinched the victory.

The American commented on tonight’s victory: “I was lucky to go last in the jump-off, which meant I knew exactly what needed to be done – it allowed me to take a few more risks than if I’d gone earlier. I trust my horse completely and her natural speed across the ground – I know she’s fast. This is the best show in the world, and she gave me everything tonight. She’s a little horse with a big heart!”