’s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands – March 12, 2026 – From 12-15 March 2026, The Dutch Masters returns to the Brabanthallen in ’s-Hertogenbosch for the opening Major of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping calendar year. Welcoming the world’s most elite horse and rider combinations, the show, steeped in history, will conclude with Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix. As the pinnacle and most coveted class of the week, riders must demonstrate the highest levels of accuracy, skill and control to claim victory in the technical indoor setting.
Following his victory in the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva in December 2025, Kent Farrington (USA) travels from the United States to ’s-Hertogenbosch as the current Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Live Contender. His success in Geneva secured a third Rolex Grand Slam Major title, and victory at The Dutch Masters will move the American one step closer to becoming only the second rider in history to claim the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. He is joined by fellow American Lillie Keenan (USA), whose consistent appearances at the highest level have confirmed her place among the sport’s leading riders.
Great Britain is represented by World No.1 and Rolex Testimonee Scott Brash (GBR), the only rider to have claimed the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Following an incredibly successful start to the year with numerous 5* Grands Prix victories in Doha, the Briton will be hoping to improve on his second-place finish in the Rolex Grand Prix at the venue last year. Brash’s British teammate, three-time Olympic gold medallist Ben Maher (GBR), also arrives following a strong winter campaign and will be looking to claim his first Rolex Grand Slam Major.
Germany fields the reigning individual European Champion, Richard Vogel (GER), along with Daniel Deusser (GER), a three-time Rolex Grand Slam Major winner and winner of the Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters in 2022 who recently recorded an impressive victory in Gothenburg. Compatriot, Sophie Hinners (GER), is another who will be looking to build on a successful winter programme.
France’s Simon Delestre (FRA) – the defending Dutch Masters Rolex Grand Prix champion – will be hoping to claim back-to-back victories in the class with his long-standing partner Cayman Jolly Jumper. Delestre, a fierce competitor will be joined by fellow countrymen Julien Epaillard (FRA), reigning FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final champion, and Kevin Staut (FRA), a former World No.1 and previous victor of this prestigious class.
Nicola Philippaerts (BEL), Pieter Devos (BEL), Thibeau Spits (BEL) and Gilles Thomas (BEL) were the four riders who secured team gold at the most recent FEI European Championships. Their collective championship success underlines the strength of the Belgian contingent heading into this Major.
The host nation will be strongly represented. Rolex Grand Slam Major winners Harrie Smolders (NED) and Willem Greve (NED) – the latter victorious in this arena in 2024 – lead the Dutch line-up. They are joined by Olympic medallist Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) and in-form contender Kim Emmen (NED) , who secured her first 5* Grand Prix victory in Basel earlier this season.
Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann (SWE), current individual World Champion, is always a rider aiming to challenge for the top spot as is Sweden’s only other entry Peder Fredricson. Ireland is represented by Denis Lynch (IRL), while Brazil’s Yuri Mansur (BRA) returns after finishing third in the 2025 Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters.
As the world’s leading combinations converge on the Brabanthallen, Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix will present an exacting test at the highest level. With Louis Konickx sure to set a demanding track, the outcome will determine whether Kent Farrington remains the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Live Contender or a new rider takes up the pursuit of the sport’s ultimate challenge.
Source: Press Release from Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping
Photos: © Rolex Grand Slam / Ashley Neuhof / Tom Lovelock / Helen Cruden
Discover more from JUMPER NEWS
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Categories: English, It's On!, Jumper News Nederland
