‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands – March 19,2019 – The €900,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI 5* at the 2019 edition of The Dutch Masters CSI 5* was won by the smallest of margins by Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) riding Toveks Mary Lou. Second place went to Rolex Testimonee Steve Guerdat (SUI) riding Albfuehren’s Bianca and third place to Peder Fredricson (SWE) riding H&M Christian K.

Forty of the world’s elite horse-and-rider combinations contended for the highlight of the competition, the €900,000 Rolex Grand Prix and the first Major in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping in 2019. A venue steeped in equestrian history and recognized for being one of the hardest courses in the world, the course designer, Louis Konickx, ensured it lived up to expectations. It was not until the 27^th rider, Daniel Deusser (GER) entered the arena, that the crowd were welcomed to a faultless round.

Steve Guerdat (SUI) & Albfuehren’s Bianca

Shortly following Deusser was World No. 1 Steve Guerdat (SUI), who expertly guided his talented mare around the 17 jumping efforts. With three clears to follow, a shortened course was presented to the animated Dutch crowd and the five successful combinations. Despite a heroic effort from Guerdat, his clear round was narrowly beaten by Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) and Toveks Mary Lou,  a 13-year-old bay Westphalian mare (Montendro x Portland L), who stopped the Rolex clock at 40.45 seconds to take the title and become the new Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender.

Steve Guerdat (SUI) and Albfuehren’s Bianca (Balou du Rouet x Cardento) were the only other combination with a double clear, finishing second in 41.08 seconds.

Peder Fredricson (SWE) & H&M Christian K

Peder Fredricson (SWE) and H&M Christian K (Namelus R x Calvados/Sable Rose) completed the podium, securing the victory with a total of four penalty-points and a time of 41.60 seconds during the tiebreaker.

Looking ahead to July, all eyes will be on CHIO Aachen, the next Major in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. In 2019 Rolex celebrates a 20-year partnership with CHIO Aachen, one of the world’s most prestigious Majors, demonstrating Rolex’s enduring relationship with equestrian sport.

FINAL RESULTS OF THE 2019 ROLEX GRAND PRIX

1. Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) & Toveks Mary Lou (Montendro x Portland L) – 0 / 0 – 40.45

2. Steve Guerdat (SUI) & Albfuehren’s Bianca (Balou du Rouet x Cardento) – 0 / 0 – 41.08 

3. Peder Fredricson (SWE) & H&M Christian K (Namelus R x Calvados/Sable Rose) – 0 / 4 – 41.60

4. Daniel Deusser (GER) & Tobago Z (Tangelo van Zuuthoeve x Mr. Blue) – 0 / 4 – 44.38 

5. Niels Bruynseels (BEL) & Gancia de Muze (Malito de Reve x Nimmerdor) – 0 / DNS – DNS 

6. Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) & Verdi TN (Quidam de Revel x Landgraf I) – 1 – 69.19 

7. Marc Houtzager (NED) & Sterrehof’s Calimero (Quidam de Revel x Achill/Libero H) – 1 – 69.41

8. Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) & H&M Legend of Love (Landzauber x Corgraf) – 4 – 66.29 

9. Jos Verlooy (BEL) & Igor (Emerald van’t Ruytershof x Nabab de Reve) – 4 – 67.58 

10. Eduardo Alvarez Aznar (ESP) & Rokfeller de Pleville Bois Margot (L’Arc de Triomphe x Apache d’Adriers) – 4 – 67.83 

For full results, please click here.

Source: Press release (edited) from Revolution Sports for Rolex Equestrian

Photos: © Rolex / Ashley Neuhof