Back-to-Back Rolex Grand Slam Victories! Richard Vogel’s Major Dream Continues in the €1,500,000 Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen CSI 5*

By Jumper News on 2026-05-24

Aachen, Germany – May 24, 2026 – In bright afternoon sunshine, TSCHIO Aachen drew to a fitting close as 40 of the world’s leading horse and rider combinations entered the iconic Main Stadium for the €1,500,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI 5*. The outstanding field reflected the exceptional calibre of this special edition, and featured 21 of the world’s top 25 riders, including current Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender and home favourite Richard Vogel (GER).

The Frank Rothenberger-designed course was typically imposing, set at full height and providing a true examination of scope, stamina and precision. Held over two rounds, with a jump-off if riders were tied on penalties, the Rolex Grand Prix at TSCHIO Aachen is one of the sport’s most demanding tests, requiring not only athleticism and courage, but the highest level of trust and harmony between horse and rider.

The first to master the track was World No.1 and one of the nine Rolex Testimonees competing, Kent Farrington (USA), who delivered a superb round aboard his talented mare, Greya. Reigning World Champion Henrik von Eckermann (SWE), last year’s runner-up Laura Kraut (USA), young French talent Nina Mallevaey (FRA)and Rolex Grand Slam Major winner Willem Greve (NED) each followed with faultless performances, before defending champion Martin Fuchs (SUI), Sophie Hinners (GER) and Richard Vogel (GER) also secured their places in the second round.

Late in the draw, José María Larocca Jr. (ARG), Lillie Keenan (USA) and Daniel Deusser (GER)added their names to the list, bringing the total number of first-round clears to 11. With the top 18 combinations progressing, Ireland’s Darragh Kenny (IRL) advanced with a single time penalty, while Steve Guerdat (SUI), Luciana Diniz (BRA), Shane Sweetnam (IRL), Daniel Coyle (IRL), Ben Maher (GBR) and André Thieme (GER) kept themselves firmly in contention on four faults.

Returning in reverse order of merit from the first round, Shane Sweetnam was the first to re-enter the Main Stadium and produced an impressive second round to remain on a four-fault total. As the class progressed, Sophie Hinners (GER), Richard Vogel and José María Larocca Jr. (ARG) proved the only combinations able to remain faultless across both rounds, setting up a three-way jump-off for the Rolex Grand Prix title.

Much to the delight of the home crowd, Hinners set the standard in the jump-off with a clear round in a time of 51.62 seconds, placing the pressure firmly on the remaining two riders. Vogel was next to return with the exceptional and huge-striding United Touch S. The combination produced a breathtaking round to take more than six seconds off his compatriot’s time. Only Argentina’s José María Larocca Jr. (ARG) remained, and although he delivered a fast clear, he could not match the pace set by Vogel and finished an eventful second place.

The victory ensured that Vogel remains the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender, with his quest for the sport’s ultimate prize continuing to the next Major – the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament. Should he win there, he would become only the second rider in history to claim the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender commented: “It is a feeling that I simply cannot describe. Aachen is one of our favourite shows of the year, and to arrive here as the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender, with the chance to compete in the Rolex Grand Prix, was a huge privilege. We have worked incredibly hard to produce a performance like this, and I have to say a huge thank you to my team at home. I have been away a lot recently with other horses at different shows, but they had United Touch S in fantastic condition. I cannot thank them enough. United Touch S was incredible across all three rounds and almost made my life easy today. It really is a dream come true, and we are lost for words.”

The German rider continued: “My mindset going into the jump-off was to give everything. As the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender, I knew I had to put everything on the line and make sure I was quick enough. With one rider still to come after me, there was extra pressure, but United Touch S was fantastic. He jumped outstandingly and fought so hard with me. The way he handled the double really showed how much he has improved over the past few years.”

On his position in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, Vogel added: “Calgary is, of course, the next goal, but today we want to enjoy this incredible victory with the whole team, and with United Touch S’ breeder, who is also here. So many people have played an important part in this result, so we will take the time to celebrate it together. Then, over the next few days, once we have had the chance to take everything in, we will start to make a plan for Calgary.”

Final Results – €1,500,000 Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen CSI 5*

1) Richard Vogel (GER) & United Touch S – 0 / 0 – 45.57

2) José Maria Larocca Jr. (ARG) & Finn Lente – 0 / 0 – 47.36

3) Sophie Hinners (GER) & Iron Dames Singlair – 0 / 0 – 51.62

FULL RESULTS

Source: Press Release from Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping