Press release from the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping

Forty nine starters representing 16 nations – including nine of the world’s current top 10-ranked riders – contested the headline class, Trophée de Genève, on the opening day of the 60th edition of CHI Geneva. With the Palexpo’s iconic Geneva Arena filled with excited and expectant fans, many starved of witnessing top level international show jumping, the world’s very best show jumpers and their equine partners braced themselves for course designer, Gérard Lachat’s 13-obstacle, 16-effort 1m60 test. 

Eighth to go, 56-year-old French veteran rider, Roger-Yves Bost, demonstrated his experience, recording the class’s first clear round with his stallion, Cassius Clay VDV Z. Team gold medallist at the 2016 Rio Games, Bost was soon to be joined by compatriot Edward Levy, who went clear with his mare, Rebeca LS. At the halfway stage, the two Frenchmen were joined in an exclusive group progressing to the jump-off comprising Rolex Testimonee, Kent Farrington and his long-time partner, Creedance, and two future next generation riders: 22-year-old Swiss Edouard Schmitz and his 12-year-old gelding, Quno, and 24-year-old Greek, Ioli Mytilineou with her talented 10-year-old gelding, L'Artiste de Toxandra, who she refers to as her ‘big friendly giant’. 

After the break, Rolex Grand Slam Live Contender and world number two, Daniel Deusser, partnered by Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z, went effortlessly clear, with a stellar list of riders joining the newly crowned Rolex Testimonee in what was shaping up to be a scintillating 14-strong jump-off. They included current world number one, Peder Fredricson (H&M Christian K), Austrian Rolex Grand Slam Major winner, Max Kühner (Elektric Blue P), Rolex Testimonee and local hero, Martin Fuchs (Conner Jei), Germany’s Christian Kukuk (Checker 47), Jérôme Guery from Belgium (Quel Homme de Hus), home favourite, Bryan Balsiger (Dubai du Bois Pinchet), and Nicolas Delmotte (Ilex v.) from France. 

Into the jump-off and it was American, Kent Farrington, who proved too strong for the other 13 riders, clearly demonstrating how much he loves competing at CHI Geneva. With half of the field going double clear, Farrington and his gelding, Creedance – who possesses a superior mix of speed and accuracy – held on and had enough to beat current Olympic Team champion, Sweden’s Peder Fredricson into second place by 0.47 seconds. Germany’s Daniel Deusser slotted into third. 

Thrilled with his win and to be back at CHI Geneva, Farrington, commented: “It’s great to be back at CHI Geneva. It’s tough times in the world still, so I’m very happy the organisers are able to put on this great event. It feels amazing to be competing with these guys, the best riders and horses in the world. We’ll use Gazelle in the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday. She’s feeling good, and the plan is to jump her in a small round tomorrow and then go from there.”

What attributes do you believe a successful show jumper needs? 

For me, patience is a big one, and then just believing what you’re doing is the right thing and making the best plan for you. It’s very easy to see what other people are doing and change things around all the time, but having trust in yourself and your horse is a huge thing. Having a strong mind is also a big part of it. You can have all the ability, but if you’re not mentally tough enough to cope with it all, it certainly makes things harder. 

How important is the team behind you? 

So important. I’m a huge believer in everyone knowing their roles – I’m the rider, the groom’s the groom, the vet’s the vet, the farrier’s the farrier, and so on. I really admire each and every person I work with because everyone is so good at what they do, and they’re each able to come together at the same time. 

What does the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping mean to you? 

It means everything. Just being here at one of the Majors is indescribable. The four Majors combined create the most prestigious series there is to win. Being able to be a part of just one of them is amazing, and I hope to get the opportunity again – I’d love to be part of all the Rolex Grands Prix, if I could. It’s just a very cleverly thought out idea, and I’d say most people would agree with me on that.

If you were stranded on a desert island, which three items would you take with you? 

I would take my horse, Porky, as I like hanging out with him. I’d have to take my phone. And a saddle so I could ride Porky!

You must be delighted that this year’s edition of the CHI Geneva is going ahead, after last year’s cancellation due to COVID-19? 

Yes, we are very happy to be here. Last year was very tough for us because we had to cancel the show one month before it was supposed to begin. So, this year we are delighted that the show is going ahead even though it has been a challenge to organise. We love to see the riders and the fans back in the arenas, and to be able to meet friends we haven’t seen for a long time, so we are very happy. 

Last year, CHI Geneva hosted a daily television programme, which was a huge success. You must be thrilled to have fans, volunteers and media back at the show this year? 

Yes, definitely. Last year we did a TV show because we wanted to keep the contact with the public and to do something during the normal dates of the show and it was a huge success, but this year we are so excited to have everyone back. The fans are so important to us, and they give so much positive energy that inspires us to keep going. The volunteers are the soul and the spirit of the show, they are so passionate and are part of our CHI Geneva family. The show would not be a success without them, and this year we have dedicated it to the volunteers – it was very important to us to shine a light on their hard work and dedication. Some of the volunteers are behind-the-scenes and are never seen, so on Saturday evening we are having a ceremony for them. It is very important to us to give them their glory moment.

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 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 €1million bonus. If two shows are won in succession, the bonus is €500,000 or if an athlete wins only 2 majors in a period of four successive shows, the bonus is €250,000.