The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping has returned to The Dutch Masters, offering four days of world-class competition. The show kicked-off yesterday with last year’s Rolex Grand Prix winner, Willem Greve, taking the inaugural HeadFirst Group Prize – Best of Champions class, whilst today’s highlight came from the VDL Groep Prize. This prestigious class gave the elite field of riders their first chance to qualify and secure a spot in the highly anticipated Rolex Grand Prix – part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – on Sunday afternoon.

Starting the class was Brazil’s Marlon Modolo Zanotelli, who, as the first into the arena, set the tone with a smooth clear round. Next to go, Peder Fredricson made it two for two, ensuring the passionate crowd would be treated to a jump-off. The first of the Dutch riders to secure a place to jump for glory over the shortened course was Kim Emmen and Imagine, who delighted the Brabanthallen crowd with a confident clear round – a result quickly replicated by compatriot Mans Thijssen.....

Congratulations! You won the inaugural HeadFirst Group Prize - Best of Champions competition on Thursday night. How do you feel?

I think the class was pure promotion for our sport. We were all, as riders, very focused on getting the best out of each other’s horses, and I believe we saw true horsemanship. Additionally, the commentary from Harrie Smolders and Jeroen Dubbeldam was wonderful. I think it was a fantastic night for our sport. 

I really enjoyed competing in the class. Actually....

What inspired you to take on the role of Sports Director at The Dutch Masters, and what are your main objectives?

This will be my first year as Sports Director at The Dutch Masters, so there will be some new aspects for me to navigate. However, I have been familiar with the event for a long time and understand how it is run. The Dutch Masters already has a strong foundation, which makes the transition into my role relatively seamless.

Of course, every individual tries to bring their own perspective and approach to a position, as do I. We have made a few adjustments to the programme, including some refinements to the schedule and the introduction of a new class – the HeadFirst Group Prize-Best of Champions. 

Overall, my primary responsibility as Sports Director.....

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.