Geneva, Switzerland – December 10, 2024 – The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping makes its highly anticipated return to the Concours Hippique International de Genève (the CHI Geneva) from 11–15 December and promises an exceptional schedule of world-class equestrian sport and entertainment. Having been named the world’s best show jumping competition ten times, the CHI Geneva brings together an elite line-up of top horse and rider combinations for five thrilling days of competition. Highlights include the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final on Friday evening and the pinnacle class, the Rolex Grand Prix, on Sunday afternoon.
Held in the iconic Palexpo Arena, competitors will face some of the year’s most challenging courses, demanding skill, precision, and a harmonious partnership between horse and rider. This year’s lineup features an impressive roster of the world’s best, including 19 of the top 20, and six Rolex Testimonees, ensuring another unforgettable edition of this prestigious event.
Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – Rider Watch
Martin Fuchs (SUI) once again returns to the CHI Geneva as the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender following his victory in the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament in September. Riding the striking grey gelding Leone Jei, Fuchs achieved this impressive feat for the second year in a row. The Swiss rider will now come to his home Major with bolstered confidence, reinforced by the fact that he was the first rider in history to win two consecutive Rolex Grand Prix titles at this very venue (in 2019 and 2021). Fuchs will seek to continue his journey to become the second ever rider to claim the sport’s ultimate prize – the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – and with the support of his home crowd, he will be the one to beat.
Joining him in the race for this coveted title is his Swiss teammate, World No.2 Steve Guerdat (SUI). With a storied career, Guerdat enters the competition on the back of a momentous year, having claimed his second individual Olympic medal – a silver to add to his previous gold – aboard Dynamix De Belheme in Paris. As a Rolex Testimonee renowned for his exceptional horsemanship, Guerdat has three Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors to his name, including a two victories in the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva. Last year, he made history claiming the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final once again, a title he had claimed twice before, in 2010 and 2018.
American show jumper and Rolex Testimonee Kent Farrington (USA), another past winner of the CHI Geneva Rolex Grand Prix, will also be in contention. Farrington started this year off strong, with a Rolex Grand Prix win at the Jumping International de La Baule [part of the newly introduced Rolex Series] riding Greya. His compatriot, Mclain Ward, who is also currently ranked in the World’s top 10, will compete too, eager to reclaim the top spot in the Rolex Grand Prix that he last won in 2022.
Representing Great Britain, World No.3 Ben Maher (GBR) brings a remarkable track record, with both individual and team Olympic gold medals among his many accolades. Although still chasing his first Rolex Grand Slam Major title, Maher’s ambition and skill certainly make him one to watch. Joining him is his Olympic teammate and Rolex Testimonee Scott Brash (GBR), the only rider to date to have accomplished the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.
Current World No.1, Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) once again heads to the CHI Geneva on an impressive streak, evidenced by holding his top ranking for 28 consecutive months. His legendary partner, King Edward, made history as the first horse in 25 years to win consecutive FEI Jumping World Cup™ Finals in Riyadh this year. Meanwhile, Austria’s Max Kühner (AUT) who claimed victory at the Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters in 2021, is also expected rise to the occasion.
Among the French riders, Julien Epaillard (FRA) and Rolex Testimonee Kevin Staut (FRA) are strong competitors. Epaillard has been in outstanding form in 2024, with multiple CSI5* wins and a team bronze medal for France at the Paris Olympics. Staut has previously won the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva as well as the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final, so remains a consistent opponent.
For Germany, both show jumping Olympic Champion Christian Kukuk (GER), and the only three-time eventing Olympic Champion, Michael Jung (GER) are entered. Joining them is compatriot and Rolex Testimonee Richard Vogel (GER), who will be aiming to defend his Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva title after last year’s triumph. Vogel, the latest member of Rolex’s esteemed family of Testimonees, has since been in remarkable form, securing third place in the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen and recently clinching victory in the FEI Jumping World Cup™ Qualifier in Lyon.
Irish hopes will be high, as four riders from the Emerald Isle who are currently ranked among the world’s top 20 will take to the stage at the CHI Geneva, namely Darragh Kenny (IRL), Cian O’Connor (IRL), Daniel Coyle (IRL), and Conor Swail (IRL). Currently ranked World No. 10, Swail stands out as Ireland’s strongest contender, with an impressive track record across Europe and the Americas. Amongst many others, Swail also promises to be an impressive challenger in this year’s highly anticipated Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva.
Source: Press Release from Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping
Photos: © Rolex / Ashley Neuhof / Tom Lovelock
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