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Inside Spruce Meadows 'Masters': Rolex Rider Watch - Philipp Weishaupt

Friday, 07 September 2018
CSIO5* Spruce Meadows Masters 2018

Photo (c) Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping / Ashley Neuhof Philipp Weishaupt rides Sansibar 89 to win the CANA Cup. Photo (c) Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping / Ashley Neuhof.

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping caught up with German rider, Philipp Weishaupt after he and his 12-year-old bay mare Sansibar 89 jumped double clear to win the 1.60m CANA Cup at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ . 

What were your tactics going into the jump-off? 

I knew that my horse has a big step so I left out strides when I could, and I was aware that I’m not that good at turning her. In the end the turns weren’t as bad as I was expecting, and I think she turned better because she got used to it from the first round when the time was tight. I knew I had to gallop and set a fast time, but not crazy fast, just enough to put pressure on the other riders, and luckily it stayed like that. 

How did the course feel today? 

The course was tough and challenging especially with the time allowed, which was super tight. It’s always tight here, but that time allowed was short, and that’s why it caused a lot of rails in the first round for so many riders. There was a tough combination at the end, and overall, I’m happy she jumped so well. 

How did Sansibar feel going into the jump-off? 

She gave me a good feeling in the first round and she loves those big grass arenas. 

How will you prepare for the CP International, presented by Rolex on Sunday? 

I realise that there’s a slim chance of winning the CP International, presented by Rolex two years in a row, but if I don’t try the chance is zero. L.B. Convall is fit and he loves jumping here, and I feel he’s growing and comfortable. I jumped L.B. Convall yesterday in a 1.50m smaller round to school him with some time faults. I did the same today to give him a nice gymnastic work-out and although he got time faults again, he felt good. I’ll now give him two days off before the CP International, presented by Rolex, but just a little bit of dressage so he’s fresh for Sunday.

Words from the organiser, Spruce Meadows Senior Vice President, Ian Allison

Photo (c) Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping / Ashley Neuhof Ian Allison and Eric Lamaze. Photo (c) Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping / Ashley Neuhof.

How much do you think the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is helping to give the sport of show jumping the global recognition it deserves? 

When the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping was launched in April 2013 the partners had a collective vision, which they wanted to make a reality. A huge amount of work and commitment has gone into the Rolex Grand Slam over the last five and a half years to build it to where it is today. 

Through the initiative, equestrian and general sporting fans have been treated to extraordinary levels of competition. We’re thrilled at how the athletes have embraced the Rolex Grand Slam and how the media now recognises the four Majors and what they mean to the sport. We were also very lucky that Scott Brash won the title so early on, which demonstrated that it was possible to win the Rolex Grand Slam. 

Since then it’s been very interesting how athletes have prioritised the four Majors and how their horses are ultimately planned around them. With all of this said, the Rolex Grand Slam has captured the attention of general sports fans, who I believe now place it alongside its tennis and golf Grand Slam counterparts. It’s become a significant global sporting event, and none of this would have been possible without Rolex aligning with the vision so exquisitely.

Behind the stable door with: Denise Moriarty, Kent Farrington’s head groom

Photo (c) Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping / Ashley Neuhof Denise Moriarty. Photo (c) Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping / Ashley Neuhof.

Creedance will compete in the CP International, presented by Rolex on Sunday; what’s his character like going into the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors? 

He’s a small horse but he doesn’t really realise it, as he thinks he’s a big guy. He’s a fighter and he tries his best every time he competes. He’s brave and I’d say he’s a bit like Conor McGregor – always fighting! I think one of his biggest quirks is he’s never tired; it’s as though he’s been drinking Red Bull. He sleeps at night and he’ll take naps during the day, but when it comes to doing his business he’s always on the ball, excited and extremely happy.

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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