Simon Delestre, Shane Sweetnam, Julien Epaillard, Ben Maher, Kent Farrington, Harrie Smolders, Martin Fuchs, Henrik von Eckermann, Steve Guerdat and Max Kühner will go head-to-head in the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final 2023. Photo © IJRC/F.Petroni.
The International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) has announced the riders who will compete in the 22nd Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final on December 8 2023, during the Concours Hippique International de Genève.
A highlight in the equestrian calendar, the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final brings together the ten best showjumpers in the world. Created in 2001 by the IJRC, the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final recognizes and celebrates the achievements and talents of the world's best showjumpers over the preceding year.
The following riders will go head-to-head in a battle for end-of-the-year glory:
- Henrik von Eckermann (SWE)
- Ben Maher (GBR)
- Kent Farrington (USA)
- Martin Fuchs (SUI)
- Steve Guerdat (SUI)
- Julien Epaillard (FRA)
- Simon Delestre (FRA)
- Max Kühner (AUT)
- Harrie Smolders (NED)
- Shane Sweetnam (IRL)
McLain Ward (USA), currently ranked number six in the world, is unfortunately unable to travel to Europe to compete in this event.
This year’s final features four former winners: Von Eckermann, Maher, Guerdat and Farrington, while seven of the riders were among last year’s finalists.
“The Top 10 is a unique event, exciting, filled with emotion, a competition that even after more than 20 editions represents a milestone that the riders strongly hope to reach,” Eleonora Ottaviani, Director of the IJRC, said in a press release. “Winning the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final signifies being crowned as the indisputable champion of the year. The enthusiasm of the public and media interest confirms the uniqueness and importance of this event.”
*Former winners of the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final
2001, Geneva: Ludger Beerbaum (GER) and Goldfever
2002, Geneva: Ludger Beerbaum (GER) and Gladdys S
2003, Geneva: Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) and Baloubet du Rouet
2004, Geneva: Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER) and Shutterfly
2005, Geneva: Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) and Baloubet du Rouet
2006, Geneva: Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER) and Shutterfly
2007, Geneva: Jessica Kürten (IRL) and Castle Forbes Libertina
2008, Brussels: Michel Robert (FRA) and Kellemoi de Pepita
2009, Paris: Marcus Ehning (GER) and Plot Blue
2010, Geneva: Steve Guerdat (SUI) and Jalisca Solier
2011, Paris: Billy Twomey (IRL) and Tinka’s Serenade
2012, Geneva: Christian Ahlmann (GER) and Taloubet Z
2013, Stockholm: Daniel Deusser (GER) and Evita van de Veldbalie
2014, Geneva: Scott Brash (GBR) and Hello Sanctos
2015, Geneva: Kent Farrington (USA) and Voyeur
2016, Geneva: Eric Lamaze (CAN) and Fine Lady
2017, Geneva: Kevin Staut (FRA) and Reveur de Hurtebise
2018, Geneva: Steve Guerdat (SUI) and Alamo
2019, Geneva: Kent Farrington (USA) and Austria 2
2021, Geneva: Ben Maher (GBR) and Explosion W
2022, Geneva: Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) and King Edward
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