On Sunday, the 2025-edition of the Royal Windsor Horse Show concluded with a thrilling fight to the finish in the CSI5* 1.60m Rolex Grand Prix. Featuring 32 of the world’s best horse-and-rider combinations, Bernardo Costa Cabral’s up-to-height 1.60m course proved challenging with ten moving through to the jump-off. As the last pair out, Gregory Wathelet and the 14-year-old stallion Bond Jamesbond de Hay snatched the win from Harrie Smolders and Monaco, while best for the Brits were Harry Charles and Sherlock who finished third.
Here we take a look back at some of the action in the Rolex Grand Prix.
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Suspense on the sideline: Adeline Hecart living every stride with her partner Victor Bettendorf and Doha de Riverland, who finished 12th in the end as the second fastest four-faulters in round one.
As the third pair out, Kim Emmen and Imagine N.O.P. posted the first clear in the Grand Prix.
Next in the ring, Ben Maher and Point Break secured a jump-off when they also jumped clear.
Team Great Britain's technical advisor Stanny Van Paesschen congratulates Maher on a job well done.
Living legend John Whitaker had to see a rail fall aboard Equine America Unick du Francport, which kept them out of the jump-off.
Eve Jobs and Canto Bruno did their first five-star Grand Prix together in style, with a clear round.
Billy Twomey and Jumping Jack van de Kalevallei also delivered a clear round, joining the jump-off.
Team Fredricson waiting for their turn.
Donald Whitaker thanks the wonderful Millfield Colette after their round.
Harry Charles and Sherlock made it five for the jump-off with a clear round.
Unfortunately, a rail fell for the spectacular United Touch S and Richard Vogel.
Matthew Sampson thanks Daniel after a four-fault round.
Harrie Smolders and Monaco posted the 6th clear of the Grand Prix.
Lots of love for Robert Whitaker's Vermento after a clear round.
Robert mapping out the jump-off with his dad John.
It was a good day for the Brits, with four home riders in the jump-off. Here Joe Stockdale who jumped clear in round one with Its Confidential.
Smiles...
...and hugs all around on Team Stockdale.
Sienna Charles and Stardust did a great first round with just four faults.
Another British father and son duo making jump-off plans: Peter and Harry Charles.
Gregory Wathelet and Bond Jamesbond de Hay en route to a clear round, making it ten for the jump-off.
In the jump-off, Ben Maher had a bad fall with Point Break on the very last fence and was lucky to be able to walk out on his own feet. On Monday, Maher shared the following on his instagram account: "A tough moment at Windsor yesterday, but grateful to say both Point Break and I are totally fine."
Eve Jobs posted the first clear of the jump-off.
Billy Towmey racing through the finish line, to take the lead in 40.16 seconds.
It did not last long though: Harry Charles set the new time to beat to 37.70 seconds.
Full speed for Harrie Smolders and Monaco who stopped the clock at 37.24 to push Harry Charles down to second.
Robert Whitaker slotted in behind Harrie Smolders and Harry Charles with a time of 37.86 seconds.
Jordy Van Massenhove and Verdiamo Z eventually placed 6th after jumping double clear.
Matthew Sampson having a chat with John and Jack Whitaker.
Last into the ring was Gregory Wathelet, and he set off meaning business aboard Bond Jamesbond de Hay, making the tightest of turns. With an impressive gallop down to the final Rolex-oxer, he shaved off 0.06 seconds on Smolders’ time to take the victory, pushing Smolders down to second and Charles to third.
“The last four years competing at Royal Windsor has been really good; winning in 2022, coming second in 2024 and winning again this year - so I’m very happy. I really enjoy riding here, it’s a great show and the crowd are really supportive," Wathelet said.
The happy winners!
Martin Fuchs congratulates Harrie Smolders after the Dutch rider finished second.
Always there: Gregory Wathelet's long-time groom Sylvain Benoit.
Bond Jamesbond de Hay appreciation: Richard Vogel congratulates Team Wathelet after their spectacular win in Sunday's Rolex Grand Prix.
Robert Whitaker was happy after finishing fourth.
Thumbs up from the runner-up.
Sportsmanship: Harrie Smolders and Gregory Wathelet.
A success story indeed: Gregory Wathelet with Jean-Luc l’Helgouarch and Yves Berthollet. Jean-Luc L'Helgouarch is both the breeder and co-owner of Bond Jamesbond de Hay, Yves Berthollet co-owner.
Harrie Smolders' groom Morgane Tresch and Monaco.
Il padre di famiglia! It was a good day for the team from Heathcroft Farm with Harry Charles finishing third and Eve Jobs seventh, which gave Peter good reason to smile.
Wathelet seems to like it at Windsor, he also won the Rolex Grand Prix here in 2022 and finished second last year.
The stunning Bond Jamesbond de Hay.
Then