The Dutch Masters concluded this afternoon with its pinnacle class – the Rolex Grand Prix. In total, 37 of the world’s leading horse and rider combinations gathered to contest the first Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major of the calendar year. 

The exceptional field included several previous Major winners, among them Kent Farrington, winner of the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva, who entered the Main Arena as the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender.

Joining Farrington in the stellar lineup were reigning World Champion Henrik von Eckermann, three-time Olympic gold medallist Ben Maher, and former Rolex Grand Slam champion and World No.1 Scott Brash – all vying for the prestigious title.

Course designer Louis Konickx set a typically demanding and technical 14-combination track, presenting a true test of scope, stamina, and athleticism. The first to master the testing course was the fifth rider to enter the packed arena, Rolex Testimonee Sophie Hinners. Just one horse later, the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender Kent Farrington kept his quest for the sport’s ultimate prize alive and ensured there would be a jump-off. By the halfway point, four additional riders – including European Champion Richard Vogel and Brazilian rider Yuri Mansur – had joined the coveted list of combinations to produce a clear round.

Dutch riders Hessel Hoekstra and Bas Moerings – winner of the VDL Groep Prize earlier in the week – set the home crowd alight with faultless performances, while some of the sport’s biggest names, namely Martin Fuchs, Henrik von Eckermann and Thibeau Spits, also demonstrated their class to progress to the second round.

In total, 11 horse and rider combinations returned to the Main Arena for the jump-off, with Germany’s Richard Vogel – riding the huge-striding stallion United Touch S – setting the early standard with a clear in a time of 39.42 seconds. Despite impressive clear rounds from Pieter Devos, Martin Fuchs, Henrik von Eckermann and Thibeau Spits, none of the remaining riders could match Vogel’s time, meaning the German rider took the victory and claimed his second Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major.

Speaking after his victory, Vogel said: “I am delighted with how everything turned out. United Touch S jumped incredibly in both rounds – he is such an amazing horse. The way he can jump oxers out of such tight turns – I think he is the only horse who can do it like that. He is so athletic. I am absolutely over the moon with this result.”

The Rolex Testimonee continued: “All of the Rolex Grand Slam Majors are the best in the world – which means the best riders and their best horses compete at them. They are highlights of our show calendar, so to come out on top today is a privilege. To be the live contender heading into the TSCHIO Aachen is, of course, pressure – but a nice pressure to have, and we will try to make a good plan to do our best there.”

We are here at The Dutch Masters, the opening Major of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. What does it mean to you to compete at one of the sport’s most prestigious events?

Claudia: "To be at such a prestigious show means a huge amount to me. It’s what every young rider dreams of, and I couldn’t be more grateful to the Young Riders Academy supported by Rolex and everyone at The Dutch Masters who made it possible."

The Rolex Grand Slam Majors are known for bringing together the very best horses and riders in the world. How does that level of competition inspire you as a rider?

Claudia: "It’s a great privilege to watch and learn from the best, and to understand what it takes to compete at the top level of the sport while doing what I love with my horses."

These events are as much about partnership as performance. How would you describe the relationship you build with a horse when preparing for a Major like this?

Claudia: "It takes a lot of time. They have to understand you, and you have to understand them. I’ve had one of my horses since he was three years old, so I feel like I know him like the back of my hand. To be successful at this level, everything has to be one hundred and ten per cent – you with them, and them with you."

What are the key qualities that you look for in a top-level horse?

Claudia: "I would say they definitely have to have a good heart, a great mind and the willingness to learn and develop with you. This week I have Toscane Z with me. I’ve had her for about three years now and she’s been a wonderful horse. She really gives me everything every time we enter the ring."

We’re here at The Dutch Masters, one of the four Majors that make up the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. What makes the Rolex Grand Slam so special?

YM: I think the Rolex Grand Slam Majors are the best shows in the world. They are the competitions everybody watches, and the start lists are always unbelievable. It makes you very proud to be part of it, because when you are invited to these shows you know you are among the top riders in the sport. The prize money, the organisation, everything is always great. They are truly unique events.

How would you describe the challenge of competing at a Rolex Grand Slam Major compared to other 5* shows?

YM: The biggest difference is the level of riders competing. At these shows everybody is at the very top. To compete at a Rolex Grand Slam Major, you have to be performing at your absolute best.

The Rolex Grand Slam Majors always bring together the very best in the sport. How does that level of competition affect your mindset going into a class?

YM: I think the Majors inpire you to become even better riders and competitors. Venues like The Dutch Masters give you extra motivation, enjoyment and energy. We know how difficult these competitions are, so every rider prepares so much as possible. When we are here, we are here to try and win.

What makes a horse particularly suited to competing at the Rolex Grand Slam Majors?

YM: Riders do not always bring the same horses to every Major. When you have a horse that can perform well across all these venues, it is something special, as some horses are better on grass while others prefer to jump on a surface. For the Rolex Grand Slam Majors, scope is one of the most important qualities, as the competitions are extremely demanding. Horses use a great deal of power in these classes, so they also need time to recover before and after the shows.