From one of the greatest outdoor arenas in show jumping at CHIO Aachen in July, the world’s leading horse and rider combinations will make their way to Calgary in the hope of challenging the current live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping title, Belgian rider Gregory Wathelet.
Spruce Meadows promises to be another special event with the climax of the competition unfolding on Sunday 10 September when 40 elite show jumpers will vie for the CP ‘International’, presented by Rolex.
In 2015, Rolex Testimonee Scott Brash made history by winning the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’, successfully completing the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping after winning the CHI Geneva in December 2014 and CHIO Aachen in July 2015. Last year, in 2016, the British rider triumphed once again in Canada, beating American McLain Ward in an enthralling jump off. Brash joined fellow Rolex Testimonee Rodrigo Pessoa as the only other rider to have won the ‘Masters’ Grand Prix in Calgary in back-to-back years. In 2017 he will strive to further his legacy by becoming the first person to win the event on three consecutive occasions. If anyone appreciates the challenge of winning at Spruce Meadows, it’s Brash:
“It will take three outstanding rounds to win the Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows. Everything has to go right, you have to ride right, the horse has to jump well and of course you need a bit of luck on the day as well.”
Canadian native Eric Lamaze, a decorated three-time Olympian with an Individual jumping gold from Beijing in 2008, is hoping that the support of his home town will give him the advantage in Calgary, where he aims to emulate his 2007 and 2011 victories aboard the legendary Hickstead.
“As you continue to proceed through the course, it gets louder and louder. As a rider, I’ve never heard anything like it and the horses feel it. The weekend of the ‘Masters’ gives you a chill when you come in to the ring. You want to put in a clear round to hear that crowd come to life,” Lamaze says.
| SPRUCE MEADOWS
Founded in 1975, Spruce Meadows is widely considered the most diversified equestrian event in the world. Created by the Southern family, the vast event unites all classes of equestrian sport from junior level to amateur league through to elite. More than 1,000 horses compete over four months across seven different sections of the grounds with an annual attendance of over 500,000 spectators. Since 1976, top-level show jumping competitions have been staged at CSIO Spruce Meadows with the CP ‘International’, presented by Rolex considered one of equestrian sport’s premium events. Located amid rolling green meadows with the glorious Rocky Mountains providing a majestic backdrop, Spruce Meadows is a unique competition that is revered across the globe. The International Ring attracts crowds of over 65,000 per day, and will undoubtedly be filled with fans eager to support their favourite riders for the main event on the competition’s final day. THE ROLEX GRAND SLAM OF SHOW JUMPING Originating in 2013, the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping has thus far been awarded to any rider able to achieve the momentous challenge of winning three of the equestrian Majors in succession – CHIO Aachen, CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ and CHI Geneva. Starting in 2018, The Dutch Masters, one of the sport’s most thrilling indoor shows, joins this elite list as one of the four stages that comprise the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, giving riders an additional opportunity to take home this momentous prize. So far only Scott Brash has been successful, proof of the consistency, precision and superior performance the challenge requires. Gregory Wathelet will arrive in Canada as the live contender, having won the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen in July aboard his mare Coree. |
| ROLEX EQUESTRIAN TESTIMONEES LOOKING TO LEAVE THEIR MARK
Rolex understands that to deliver the best, precision is of utmost importance. This attention to detail can be found among all of its sporting affiliates, especially its equestrian Testimonees. Of this exclusive group, many are returning to Calgary this year along with their horses to compete in the Grand Prix. World Number One Kent Farrington will be aiming to add the CSIO Spruce Meadows trophy to his long list of achievements and in doing so become the new live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam. Steve Guerdat, himself an Olympic gold medallist, European Champion and multiple World Cup winner will be attempting for the title spot alongside fellow Rolex Testimonee Kevin Staut, Olympic Team jumping gold medallist in Rio last year. |
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ROLEX’S EQUESTRIAN HERITAGE Rolex’s support of show jumping dates back more than half a century. The prestigious Swiss watch brand’s close and long-standing association with equestrianism demonstrates its appreciation of a domain in which fair play, equality, horsemanship and tradition highlight superior skill, accuracy and achievement. From Pat Smythe, the greatest female show jumper ever to represent Britain and Rolex’s first equestrian Testimonee in 1957, to Scott Brash, the only rider in history to win three consecutive Majors in the Grand Slam in September 2015, Rolex continues to support riders in the three Olympic disciplines of show jumping, dressage and eventing, all of which demonstrate qualities of excellence and perfection. |
