Press release from Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping once again travels across the Atlantic Ocean to one of North America’s leading equestrian venues for the third Major of the calendar year, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament. From 4 – 8 September, the world’s most elite horse and rider combinations will gather in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with the hopes of claiming the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex and becoming the new Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender. Spectators will be treated to not only five days of thrilling competition but also sensational shopping, fabulous entertainment, and a vast array of food and drink. 

The 2024 edition of the show will welcome a number of Paris 2024 Olympic Games medallists, namely Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat, who won individual silver, and Scott Brash and Ben Maher who claimed the team gold medal for Great Britain. 

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping returns to the iconic CSIO Spruce Meadows 'Masters' Tournament, the third Major of the calendar year, from 4 – 8 September 2024. The finest horse and rider combinations will gather at what is often considered to be North America’s premier equestrian venue for five days of world-class competition, which will culminate with the highly anticipated CPKC 'International', presented by Rolex, on Sunday 8 September. 

Following his sensational victory at the CHIO Aachen with the fearless mare DSP Chakaria, Germany’s André Thieme travels to the ‘Masters’ as the current Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender. Thieme, will be hoping to continue his winning form and claim consecutive Majors – something which only a select group of elite riders have been able to achieve.

Their daring jump-off round at Aachen clocked in 1.25 seconds ahead of American rider McLain Ward, who recently added to his already impressive medal collection at the Pairs 2024 Olympic Games. Ward – the ultimate competitor –  will be looking to go one better at this Major.

Among the favourites is defending champion Martin Fuchs, who has enjoyed a remarkable season, securing Rolex Grand Prix victories at both the Royal Windsor Horse Show and the Dublin Horse Show aboard Leone Jei and Conner Jei, respectively. The Swiss rider continues to add to his already impressive legacy, which includes being the only rider to have won consecutive Rolex Grands Prix at the CHI Geneva (2019, 2021) and clinching the FEI World Cup™ Final in 2022.

Congratulations, you are the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender following your sensational win at the CHIO Aachen, how do you feel?

At the time I was hoping to be selected for Germany’s Olympic team, so I didn’t have much time to celebrate. But of course the win felt incredibly special, and I realized that I'd have to become an Olympic Champion to match that victory! Winning the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen was a perfect story for me - it was a lifelong dream come true.

Reflecting on your win in the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen – how special was this victory to you and your team?

It was very special. When I had two poles down in the Nations Cup class at the CHIO Aachen my whole team was so sad because we knew that would probably be the end of my Olympic hopes. However, when I won the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday, that turned things around completely and we were all so happy and thrilled. The whole team kept saying: “This win is even better than going to the Olympics!"

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping 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 €1 million bonus.