Edited press release from The Dutch Masters

The world's best riders are expected for The Dutch Masters: No less than 19 from the top 25 on the world ranking will be present in Brabanthallen in 's-Hertogenbosch from 23 to 25 April. 

The entire top five will be at start, led by world number 1 and 2; the Swiss riders Steve Guerdat and Martin Fuchs. Fuchs was to continue his quest for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping at The Dutch Masters in 2020 after winning the Rolex Grand Prix in Geneva in 2019, but it was not to be. Now he returns and is highly motivated to win. "Obviously the biggest goal for 2021 is the Olympic Games in Tokyo. That is my number one target, I dream about getting a medal at the Olympic Games. Another main focus for me is the Rolex Grand Slam, especially for me, as I’m currently the Live Contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. In any normal year, the four Majors are the most important shows, but being the Live Contender gives an extra edge to it,” Fuchs said. 

The top five is completed by Germany's Daniel Deusser, Sweden's Peder Fredericson and Belgium’s Pieter Devos. 

The Netherlands comes with a delegation of ten including Jeroen Dubbeldam, Leopold van Asten and Harrie Smolders. Smolders has just returned from two months in America where he performed well in Wellington, Florida. "We are in need of competitions at 5* level. Chapeau to the organisers who have spared no effort to find a solution together with their partners, such as Rolex, who have always stood behind the event," Smolders said. 

Smolders' horses have been back in the Netherlands since last weekend. "It will be no problem for them to go back indoors. The horses have so much experience and certainly Monaco feels at home in the Brabanthallen. I therefore want to start him in the Rolex Grand Prix next weekend," Smolders said.