Fuchs Claims fifth Rolex Grand Slam Major in Aachen
The Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen – the second Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major of the calendar year – is widely regarded as one of the sport’s most prestigious and historic show jumping competitions. Taking place in Aachen’s iconic 45,000-seat main stadium, the class captures the true essence of elite equestrian sport, and brings together the world’s leading horse and rider combinations.
Forty of the most sensational horsemen and women – who had qualified for the Rolex Grand Prix over the preceding days – tackled the Frank Rothenberger-designed course, each hoping to add their name to the coveted list of riders crowned victors of the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen. Held over two rounds, with a jump-off if riders are tied on penalties, the Rolex Grand Prix is a true test of endurance, scope and talent that requires the highest level of harmony and trust between horse and rider.
Interestingly, four of the last five riders to have won the Rolex Grand Prix have been German, and with over a quarter of this year’s contenders representing the home nation, the crowd was once again hoping for another German victory.
Defending champion André Thieme was first to enter the arena but recorded an unfortunate four faults, whilst second to go, ex-eventing rider Sandra Auffarth produced a clear jumping round however she picked up a single, painstaking time penalty. The first faultless round was delivered by Rolex Testimonee Martin Fuchs – four-time Major winner – with his ever-consistent Leone Jei. Nicola Philippaerts soon added his name to the list, followed by Steve Guerdat, who also produced a flawless round – meaning that, at the halfway point, there were only three clears.
However, with the top 18 riders from the opening round progressing to the next, those able to produce a fast four-fault round remained in contention for one of the sport’s most coveted prizes – something that three-time Olympic gold medallist Ben Maher achieved, along with Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet. An additional eleven riders produced clear rounds – including home favourite Richard Vogel, rising talents Emilie Conter and Sophie Hinners, and World No.1 Kent Farrington – and thus secured their spot in the next round.
Starting in reverse order based on the results from the first round, it was fifth to go, Olivier Robert, who produced the first double clear – a result quickly replicated by Germany’s Christian Kukuk, whose smooth round ensured a jump-off. In the afternoon rain, the world-class field continued to showcase their skill and horsemanship as the clears kept coming, and in total, 11 riders progressed into the final round.
Anticipation was heavy in the air in the Aachen Soers arena as Olivier Robert cantered into the packed stadium as the first to go in the jump-off – however, the Frenchman came home with four faults, putting him out of contention for the top spot. Brazil’s Stephan de Freitas Barcha was the first to set the standard with a clear in 54.33 seconds, however, Rolex Testimonee Steve Guerdat rose to the occasion and took the provisional lead by 1.74 seconds, adding the pressure on the remaining riders. Guerdat’s compatriot, Martin Fuchs, utilized Leone Jei’s experience to put himself in pole position with four left to jump.
Richard Vogel and the huge-striding United Touch S, along with Nina Mallevaey, both looked to be challenging for the lead – however, they each faulted at the penultimate fence: the golden double.
Only America’s Laura Kraut could stand in the way of Fuchs’ first CHIO Aachen Rolex Grand Prix victory, and the first Swiss victory since his uncle – Markus Fuchs – claimed the prize in 2004. Kraut was ahead in the first half of the course – however, after a cautious approach to the tricky second-to-last fence, she crossed the line over two seconds slower than Fuchs. This victory now means the Swiss rider has claimed five Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors.
The new Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender commented: “Leone Jei is an incredible horse – he has such a big stride and is so incredibly talented. In jump-offs like this, he is on another level. Last year, he was brilliant in the final round, but I made a big rider mistake. Today, I was focused the whole day, and I really wanted to improve on last year’s performance and give him the best ride possible.
The Swiss rider continued: “It is a wonderful feeling to win here, and I am already looking forward to entering the Aachen arena next year and seeing my name on the iconic winners’ board. I have to thank Leone Jei – he is such an incredible jumper and really rises to the occasion at the Rolex Grand Slam Majors. I am a very fortunate rider.”
Photos: RGS/Ashley Neuhof