Niels Bruynseels is the new Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender following a sensational performance in the Rolex Grand Prix at the Dutch Masters, one of the four Majors that make up the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

Under the spotlights of the Brabanthal arena, the world’s best horse and rider combinations battled for the pinnacle prize of the weekend, all vying to start their Rolex Grand Slam journey.

How does it feel to win your first Major?

"This has to be one of my biggest victories, I don’t even have the words to say how much it means to me. This show has always been great but the support of Rolex has made it even better and it is an honour for me to come here and compete against the best riders in the world. The atmosphere in the arena was incredible, it was a very special moment for me."

Your Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping campaign has started, is CHIO Aachen going to be your focus now?

"Aachen is certainly the next stop for me. The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is the biggest prize in our sport and I hope I can come to Germany in July and repeat what I have achieved here."

Do you feel that the course lived-up to the Rolex Grand Prix standard?

"I think the team of course designers did a very good job, it was a tough course but good for the horses. There were 13 in the jump-off which is nice for the crowd and created top competition."

And what about your horse, has she done you proud today? 

"My horse was a superstar today, I cannot thank her enough. She always tries her best for me and I couldn’t be happier with her performance this afternoon. I think I was at advantage going last in the jump-off, I was able to see all the other riders go before me and where the course was difficult. I had a plan in my head, I knew I would need a fast ride, and Grancia exceeded all expectations, she is a special horse for sure."

How emotional are you feeling after watching Niels win the Rolex Grand Prix?

"It is just amazing, the horse is unbelievable! It is my first win in a 5* event and just means so much to whole team. I have only been with Niels since July, but he is an incredible rider and I just feel so emotional, I have a tear in my eye right now!"

You have all now started your journey towards the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, how do you feel? 

"To be a part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is so exciting, we did not expect to do so well and we hope that we can make the journey last as long as possible!"

Gancia De Muze is an incredible horse, what is she like to look after?  

"She is such a lovely horse, she is so easy to manage, she knows her job and she proved today again that she is one of the top horses on the circuit. She is going to get lots of rewards and kisses from us tonight, even though she doesn’t really like that!"

The first Major of the season has drawn to a spectacular close and now all eyes are on CHIO Aachen taking place 13-22 July 2018. With the biggest equestrian names in the worldexpected to attend, the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping new live contender will no doubt be planning his path to victory to see if he can make history once more.

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping

The Rolex Grand Slam is the most prestigious prize in the sport of show jumping, primarily due to the sporting prowess required to achieve the feat. It is a quest taken on by the best, with the aim to be the best and secure the legendary status associated with winning. In recognition of the epic nature of the challenge, any rider who wins three shows in a row, receives €1 million on top of the prize-money of each show. If that same rider then continues their success by winning a fourth Major in succession, they will be rewarded with an additional €1 million bonus. Moreover, anyone who wins two out of the four shows, also receives a bonus.  If two shows are won in succession, the bonus is €500,000. If the rider is successful in qualifying for the “two out of four mode”, but doesn’t claim the victories at two consecutive shows, the bonus totals €250,000.  It is only the rider that counts, therefore it is possible to claim the bonus riding different horses.

Previous winners of The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping

Nick Skelton (GBR), Big Star: CHIO Aachen 2013

Pieter Devos (BEL), Candy: CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ 2013

Steve Guerdat (SWI), Nino des Buissonnets: CHI Geneva 2014

Christian Ahlmann (GER), Codex One: CHIO Aachen 2014

Ian Millar (CAN), Dixson: CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ 2014

Scott Brash (GBR), Hello Sanctos: CHI Geneva 2014

Scott Brash (GBR), Hello Sanctos: CHIO Aachen 2015

Scott Brash (GBR), Hello Sanctos: CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ 2015

Steve Guerdat (SWI), Nino des Buissonnets: CHI Geneva 2015

Philipp Weishaupt (GER), LB Convall: CHIO Aachen 2016

Scott Brash (GBR), Ursula XII: CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ 2016

Pedro Veniss (BRA), Quabri de l’Isle: CHI Geneva 2016

Gregory Wathelet (BEL), Coree: CHIO Aachen 2017

Philipp Weishaupt (GER), LB Convall: CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ 2017

Kent Farrington (USA), Gazelle: CHI Geneva 2017

Source: Press release from The Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping