World of Showjumping
World of ShowjumpingWorld of Showjumping
Menu

Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping celebrates its 10 year anniversary

Wednesday, 26 April 2023
Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping

 

Press release from Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping

 


 

In the history of equestrian sport, there are riders whose names and achievements will be immortalized in history. By winning the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping in 2015, British rider Scott Brash added his name to the record books. Followers of the sport now wait with bated breath to see if America’s McLain Ward can add his name this illustrious list at CHIO Aachen, 10 years on from the initiative’s conception, following his wins at CHI Geneva and The Dutch Masters. In doing so he would become only the second person to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

Considered to be the sport’s ultimate challenge, the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping comprises four of the most prestigious and historic shows in the world; CHIO Aachen, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’, CHI Geneva, and The Dutch Masters, and rewards the rider who wins three consecutive Majors. Much like the Majors in tennis and golf, the Majors that make up the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping are deemed to be the most esteemed and celebrated in the sport. The 10 year anniversary celebrations will begin at CHIO Aachen, often referred to as the Wimbledon of the equestrian world, from the end of June to the beginning of July, and will conclude at The Dutch Masters 2024. 

The impact of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping on the sport has been significant over the 10 years since its inception. Bringing together the four Majors, who all strive for quality and are united together in their search for perfection, has set the standard for show jumping venues. The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors have a cumulated history of 300 years and are deep-rooted in traditional values. 

Such is the prestige of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping that it attracts the world’s best horse and rider combinations from across the globe, resulting in unmatched levels of competition. Looking ahead to the future, the initiative also supports show jumping’s stars of the future by inviting two promising riders to each of the four Majors to provide them with experience competing at the top-end of the sport.

The past 10 years of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping has provided some of the most remarkable moments in the history of the sport. Most notably, when British rider Scott Brash raised the bar to unprecedented levels by winning consecutive Majors at CHI Geneva in 2014, followed by CHIO Aachen, and finally CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ in 2015. Even more remarkable is that he achieved this feat on the same horse, Hello Sanctos, making him the first and only rider to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

The only winner of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, Scott Brash expressed: “Winning the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping was such an incredible moment in my career, words really cannot describe the feelings and emotions I felt when I lifted the trophy. It was even more special that I achieved this feat with one horse, Hello Sanctos—he truly is my horse of lifetime.” 

Speaking on behalf of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Steering Committee, Marcel Hunze stated: “The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is an unbelievable initiative, it has bought together four of the very top-level shows and attracts the best horses and riders in the world. Over the past 10 years, the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping has really elevated the sport, not only in the quality of competition, but also the entertainment for fans and the welfare for both horses and the grooms.”

Olympic and World individual champion, Rodrigo Pessoa continued: “The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping has been incredible for the sport. The four Majors are really special shows in our calendar that all of the riders and owners aim for and dream of winning. Looking back at the past 10-years of the initiative and seeing what has been achieved, I am very excited to see what will happen in the next decade.”

 


 

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.

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 in addition to the prize money won in each of the Grand Prix events. 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.

 


 

Rolex and equestrianism

With over a century of knowledge and expertise in watchmaking, Rolex is driven by tradition and craftsmanship, along with innovation and a passion for perfection. These values are reflected in the brand’s support of equestrianism. For over 60 years, Rolex has cultivated an enduring legacy with this elite world and is now a major presence at play behind the finest riders, competitions, and institutions. 

The brand’s contribution to excellence in equestrianism is based on this heritage, encouraging modernization while respecting the elegance of this prestigious sport. Whether supporting leading athletes, the historic CHIO Aachen in Germany or the iconic Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, Rolex has built on a relationship that began in 1957, through an alliance with British show jumper Pat Smythe. A pioneer in equestrianism, she became the brand’s first equestrian Testimonee.

 


 



This photo has been added to your cart !

Your shopping cart »
This website is using cookies for statistics, site optimization and retargeting purposes. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use this website. Read more here.