Rolex is a brand that is associated not only with luxurious watches, but with an overarching lifestyle, described by refined living, strong ambitions and bold conquests. In this sense, it has often associated itself with many sporting competitions, such as the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race or with various equestrian competitions.
The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping was first launched in April 2013 and is currently regarded as one of the most coveted prizes in equestrian sport. The concept was first formulated by the organizing committees of three of the world’s largest and most well-respected shows – CHIO Aachen, Germany; CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’, Canada; and CHI Geneva, Switzerland – and offers the rider who consecutively wins the Grands Prix at these three shows a €1M bonus. In March 2018, these three global events, which are also known as ‘Majors’, were joined by a prestigious fourth – the largest indoor show in the Netherlands: The Dutch Masters.
The first and only winner of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is Scott Brash MBE, who reached this pursuit of excellence in 2015 aboard his bay gelding named Hello Sanctos. Having already triumphed in the Rolex Grands Prix at the CHI Geneva 2014 and the CHIO Aachen 2015, the British rider then went double clear in the ‘CP International’, presented by Rolex at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ in 2015, and in doing so reached the pinnacle of the sport.
In a relatively short time, the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping has grown significantly – as portrayed by many of the impressive figures in a recently-released infographic – and has established itself as the sport’s ultimate challenge, drawing some of the very best horse and rider combinations on the equestrian world stage. While tennis has its four Grand Slam tournaments (Australian Open; French Open; The Championships, Wimbledon; and US Open) and golf has four Major championships (Masters Tournament; The Open; U.S. Open; and PGA Championship), the sport of show jumping is also proud to have its very own Grand Slam. What makes the Rolex Grand Slam stand‐out from its tennis and golf counterparts is that women and men compete against one another on the same level for the same prize.
Since its inception, the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping has welcomed over 653,500 spectators to its four Majors; crowned Major champions from nine different nations; while everything has been made possible by the unwavering help of more than 2 150 loyal volunteers.
Recently, Rolex has also made headlines around the world with its successful golfing, racing or tennis collaborations, in September2020 celebrating its 40th anniversary as the Official Timekeeper of the US Open. We’re definitely looking forward to what will take place in the last part of the year.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
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