The organisers of The Dutch Masters delivered world-class sport on the opening day of the first Rolex Grand Slam Major of the year. The VDL Groep Prize was the highlight of the day with Rolex Grand Slam live contender, Martin Fuchs (SUI), maintaining his top form aboard The Sinner to claim the title. Fellow Rolex Testimonee, Daniel Deusser, set the pace as first to go in the jump-off finishing eventual second with his Rolex Grand Prix horse, Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z. 

The course designed by Louis Konickx proved challenging, with ten pairs going clear but with Germany's Christian Kukuk opting not to start in the jump-off, only nine horse and rider combinations, representing five nations, battled it out under the bright lights of the Brabanthallen’s main arena. The return of spectators for the first time since 2019 was especially welcomed by the strong contingent of Dutch riders, who received a roaring echo of cheers as they entered the ring, but in the end, it was Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs who dominated the class to start his ‘The Dutch Masters’ quest in spectacular fashion. 

Congratulations! What was the course like to ride? 

It was a very good course, there were a lot of faults everywhere, but the course designer did a very good job. It was great to perform in front of the crowd here and I am very happy with my round. 

Tell us a little bit about The Sinner… 

The Sinner has always been very competitive from when I first got him, even when I wasn’t so used to him. Now we’ve had some very nice jump-offs together, so this gives me a lot of confidence entering a big jump-off knowing that my horse is able to do it, knowing what we are able to do it together, so it’s possible to make a plan and that plan went well today. 

You are the live contender, and have started your bid to continue your Rolex Grand Slam journey very well. Does this give you extra confidence ahead of the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday?

It’s very nice to start The Dutch Masters with a win in the big class. For the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday I will be riding Conner Jei, who is fairly green and new at this level, but I’m very excited and looking forward to it. He hasn’t done too much indoor work recently, but he is a wonderful horse and I am hoping to continue our Rolex Grand Slam journey with a win on Sunday.

Firstly, how does it feel to have spectators at The Dutch Masters for the first time in two years? 

We are thrilled to have the fans back. I think that the riders and sponsors will also be very happy to have them here at The Dutch Masters; the fans of course, I’m sure will be excited to be able to return. Last year, we had to run the show without spectators, and it was a completely different atmosphere. I think the fans influence the riders, especially when they are competing in front their home-crowd. For example, at CHI Geneva, when the Swiss riders are competing it creates an incredible atmosphere and it can lift the performance of the riders, like it did with Martin Fuchs. Let’s hope that it helps the Dutch riders here this weekend!

What keeps you motivated and your drive high? 

My motivation is to improve the show every year. Now that we are part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, there is even more motivation to continue to innovate and get better. All the Rolex Grand Slam Show Directors meet up and discuss how, not only, we can improve the individual shows but how we can improve the whole Rolex Grand Slam. Being part of this special group is very motivating, and we challenge each other to get better. 

How does the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping enhance the status of The Dutch Masters? 

We are so proud to be part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. It was our main goal after we stopped hosting the FEI World Cup™. We have seen so much improvement in the event, including the level of competitors and therefore the level of competition. There is far more international interest and exposure for The Dutch Masters now, with more international visitors and media. There has been so much improvement and we are thrilled to be part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. 

Looking ahead to the weekend, what can the spectators expect to see at The Dutch Masters? 

World-class sport – the horse and rider combinations competing here are the best in the world, so spectators can expect a thrilling competition. The Dutch Masters is known for its incredible atmosphere and fun parties, but of course this year due to the restrictions they will be smaller but we will make sure everyone has great time!

Welcome to The Dutch Masters. How did you and the horses get here? 

We drove here, it took us 14-hours in total. Unfortunately, when you are travelling so far you cannot control the traffic. 

How do you entertain yourself for that time? 

I listen to music and I call my friends, colleagues and other grooms, I seem to be able to keep myself entertained! 

Do the horses travel well? 

They are amazing travellers. When we go on a long journey, I try and make it as comfortable as possible for them. They each have their own water bucket, as on long journeys they drink a lot. I also try and give them as much space as possible, so they can stretch their heads down. With Elektric Blue P, I travel him loose in a box stall so that he has as much freedom as possible. 

Do you and the team feel a bit of extra pressure coming into The Dutch Maters, with Max as defending champion? 

I think that I feel more pressure than Max does – he is very relaxed! We have a different horse competing in the Rolex Grand Prix this year [Eic Coriolis Des Isles], so I think he does not feel as much pressure. But I really want to win again and show that we have more than just one amazing horse. 

What other competitions do you and the team really want to win? 

We would love to the win the Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen. I also love the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ – it is one of my favourite places. The first time I went there, Max was third with Chardonnay 79, so I would love to better that and win there. 

What is your favourite part of your job? 

Seeing the horses grow and develop. I first meet Elektric Blue P when he was a youngster, and I have watched him grow up to be such an incredible horse. When he won the Rolex Grand Prix here last year I cried so much. When you start watching them in young-horse classes, and then they are up on the podium at one of the biggest competitions in the world, it is everything. It makes the job so special. 

The Rolex Grand Slam is considered by the sport to be the ultimate equestrian challenge, primarily due to the sporting prowess required to achieve this feat. It is a quest taken on by the world’s top riders, vying to secure the legendary status associated with winning the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

The format of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is simple: anyone who wins three Majors in a row receives the Rolex Grand Slam trophy and a €1 million bonus on top of the class’s prize-money. If that same rider then continues their success by winning a fourth Major in succession, they will be rewarded with an additional €1million bonus. If two shows are won in succession, the bonus is €500,000 or if an athlete wins only 2 majors in a period of four successive shows, the bonus is €250,000.