Geneva – August 12, 2025 – In the world of equestrianism, certain achievements transcend the sport to become legend. A decade ago, Rolex Testimonee Scott Brash (GBR) accomplished what many deemed impossible when he became the first – and to date, only – rider to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, a triumph that continues to resonate as one of the most exceptional moments in modern show jumping history.
Launched in 2013, the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is a global initiative that challenges riders to win, consecutively, the Grand Prix at three of the four Majors, namely The Dutch Masters, the CHIO Aachen, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, and the CHI Geneva. For almost 70 years, Rolex has cultivated an enduring legacy with the equestrian world and is now a major presence alongside the finest riders, competitions and institutions.
In 2015, Brash achieved this unprecedented feat riding a single, exceptional horse, Hello Sanctos. Their journey to this incredible achievement began with a victory in the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva in December 2014, continued with a spectacular performance at CHIO Aachen, and culminated in a breathtaking win at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, that secured Brash’s name in the history books.
The British rider reflected: “Words cannot really describe what it felt like to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – it all still feels quite surreal. I remember experiencing such a mixture of emotions; delight, relief, happiness, even sadness in a strange way as it was a goal our whole team had been utterly focused on, and we had finally achieved our target, suddenly that chapter was done! It was absolutely incredible, and a single moment that I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Born in Peebles, Scotland, in 1985, Brash began riding ponies alongside his sister, spending his weekends competing across the UK. Over the years, the British rider began to build a career that would carry him to the highest levels of the sport. Brash’s unprecedented success of winning the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, would not have been possible without his extraordinary partnership with his horse, Hello Sanctos. Together, they conquered three of the most prestigious and historic Grands Prix in the sport – each Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major representing a distinct challenge with different arenas and atmospheres.
Brash continued: “Hello Sanctos is an incredible horse – one of a lifetime. I think that what made him so special was how clever he was. I think we understood one another inside out. I could jump a course and visualize before we even went into the ring how he would interpret things, and how I needed to ride him to give him his best chance to jump the fences clear. We totally trusted one another, and this was one the keys to our success.”
Rolex’s contribution to excellence in equestrianism is based on this heritage, encouraging modernization while respecting the elegance of this prestigious sport.
The partnership began in 1957 when pioneering British show jumper Pat Smythe became the sport’s first Testimonee. Rolex’s perpetual support is highlighted by its affiliation with international events and competitions that represent the pinnacle of the sport, including the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.
The Rolex Testimonee added: “Winning the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping has been a defining moment in my career, which has elevated my profile beyond the equestrian world. Similar to the Olympic Games, the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping reaches a broader audience, placing riders on a global stage and bringing greater recognition to the sport.”
Rolex celebrates human achievement in equestrianism, honouring a journey shaped by dedication, passion and the unwavering bond between horse and rider. Each challenge faced and every milestone reached is a testament to the skill, precision and perseverance required to succeed in this demanding discipline. Victory is not measured solely by trophies but by the path taken – one defined by emotion, trust and the pursuit of excellence. With every stride,
Rolex recognizes the harmony between horse and rider, where the true triumph lies in the journey itself, a value that Brash continues to emulate in his career. Brash concluded: “For me, achievement is a sense of pride in reaching a goal – when all the dedication, preparation, and teamwork come together. Success is not just about winning; it is about progress and personal fulfilment. For example, completing at a five-star Grand Prix with a young horse, even if there are faults, can still be an achievement if it marks a significant step in their development. Ultimately, it is about pushing boundaries and taking pride in the journey as much as the outcome.”
As the only rider to have conquered the sport’s ultimate challenge, Brash’s Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping victory stands not only as a personal triumph, but as a symbol of equestrianism’s highest ideals – an achievement made timeless through the values of horsemanship, excellence, and the pursuit of greatness.
Source: Press Release from Revolution World for Rolex Equestrian
Photos: © Rolex / Ashley Neuhof / Kit Houghton / Guillaume Megevand / Peggy Schroeder
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