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Inside the Spruce Meadows Masters: The strongest contenders for the CP ‘International’, presented by Rolex

Tuesday, 04 September 2018
CSIO5* Spruce Meadows Masters 2018

Photo (c) Rolex Grand Slam / Ashley Neuhof. Steve Guerdat riding Alamo at CHIO Aachen 2018. Photo (c) Rolex Grand Slam / Ashley Neuhof.

On 9 September 2018 the international equestrian community will focus its attention on the world’s top show jumpers, as they compete at the third Major of the year, the CP ‘International’, presented by Rolex at the CSIO5* Spruce Meadows Masters. More than 87,000 spectators are expected to descend on the show and organisers are promising five days of spectacular competition. 

Leopoldo Palacios, the experienced Venezuelan course designer, will set the course for the CP ‘International’, presented by Rolex, and is expected to lay down a demanding but fair challenge. Show jumping’s finest horse and rider combinations will take centre stage, all hoping to add one of the year’s most prestigious competitions to their record of top-level achievements. 

Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Rider Watch 

With the sport’s most revered horse and rider pairings due to compete in the CP ‘International’, presented by Rolex, there are several strong contenders on target to take this Rolex Major title win.

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender, Marcus Ehning (GER) – who started his Rolex Grand Slam journey at the CHIO Aachen in July riding Pret A Tout to victory in the Rolex Grand Prix – comes to Spruce Meadows in scintillating form. He won the Rolex Grand Prix at the Stephex Masters on another one of his talented horses, Comme Il Faut 5. The former world number one ranked rider will be vying for victory in the CP ‘International’, presented by Rolex in the hope that his Rolex Grand Slam journey continues, setting him up for a shot at the Rolex Grand Slam title at the CHI Geneva in December. 

Having impressively competed in all 17 Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors since the initiative’s inception in 2013, Rolex Testimonee Steve Guerdat (SUI) undoubtedly has the skill and firepower to ride his way to the top of the leaderboard in the CP ‘International’, presented by Rolex. The Swiss maestro jumped clear in the first two rounds of the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen 2018, finishing in a respectable fifth place.

Exclusive interview with Lucy Deslauriers, rising star of show jumping

Lucy Deslauriers. Photo (c) Douglas Sinclair. Lucy Deslauriers. Photo (c) Douglas Sinclair.

What are your expectations for the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’? 

I’m just incredibly excited to be chosen for the U.S. Team and representing my country at one of the most prestigious shows out there. I saw my dad compete for the Canadian Team at the Spruce Meadows Masters last year and was just blown away by the magnitude of the events. They really step it up a level or two for the Masters. It’s certainly as special as it gets.

What’s your favourite equestrian memory? 

This past year has been incredible, especially the Spruce Meadows Summer Series. The highlight must be when dad and I were first and second (he was first!) in the 1.60m Pan American Cup, presented by Rolex in July. I’m so grateful that he and I can share this sport together.

About the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping

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. Launched in 2013, the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is the only initiative to reward the outstanding rider who wins three Majors consecutively, at four of the world’s most historic shows – The Dutch Masters, CHIO Aachen, CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ and CHI Geneva. Considered by the sport to be the ultimate equestrian challenge, it rewards the very best horse and rider combination with a €1 million bonus. If all four Majors are won in succession, a further €1 million bonus is awarded. 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.

 


Press release from Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping



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