Rolex Triumph for Richard Vogel at the Rolex Grand Prix of The Dutch Masters

The Rolex Grand Prix of The Dutch Masters – part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping became a true demonstration of top-level sport on Sunday afternoon. In front of packed grandstands at the Brabanthallen, spectators were treated to a competition that had all the ingredients of show jumping: tension, spectacle, and absolute world-class performances.

In this setting, it was Richard Vogel who claimed the top prize with his phenomenal stallion United Touch S. The German rider secured a Rolex Major for the second time in his career, once again confirming his status as one of the leading names in international show jumping.

A World-Class Jump-Off
With a field of competitors that made the mouth water, the bar was set high from the start. Among the starters were a world champion, a European champion, a live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam, and several major winners. In the end, eleven combinations qualified for a jump-off of the very highest level, a thrilling finale that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
Course designer Louis Konickx had created a technical course where precision and riding skill were key.
“Most of the faults occurred at two fences where the lines were very delicate,” Konickx explained. “Riders could learn from each other on some of the lines, but on those two jumps it remained really difficult.”

Vogel and United Touch S Untouchable
In the jump-off, Vogel once again showcased the exceptional qualities of United Touch S. With his enormous stride and seemingly effortless power, the stallion flew through the course.
“Winning a Rolex Major is incredibly special,” Vogel said afterward. “It’s one of the most important competitions of the year and the atmosphere here at The Dutch Masters is always fantastic. United Touch S is an incredible horse. He has such a huge stride and so much power, that makes my job a lot easier.”

Strong Belgian Performances
Belgian rider Thibeau Spits delivered an impressive jump-off with his eleven-year-old stallion Impress-K van ’t Kattenheye Z to finish second. In the first round, the pair stayed just within the time allowed, but in the jump-off the pace clearly increased.
“I was inspired by Richard’s round,” Spits laughed. “Impress has an enormous stride and felt fantastic today. I’m really incredibly happy and proud.” 
Pieter Devos also confirmed his excellent form. With Casual DV Z, he jumped to third place. The result also moved the pair one place higher on the leaderboard compared to last year, when they finished fourth.
World champion Henrik von Eckermann finished fourth with Qasirah van de Reistenhoek, followed by multiple Major winner Martin Fuchs with L&L Lorde in fifth place. Both riders remained faultless in both the first round and the jump-off. Behind them came Lilie Keenan, Sophie Hinners, and the 2025 third-place finisher Yuri Mansur.

Hessel Hoekstra Best Dutch Rider
The best Dutch result came from Hessel Hoekstra, who also made it into the jump-off with Olimpic van de Sterhoeve and eventually finished ninth.
“I’m super happy,” Hoekstra said. “Olimpic jumped incredibly well today. Yesterday I even asked Jeroen Dubbeldam whether I should ride the 1.50m class or the Grand Prix. He advised me to go for the Grand Prix, and that turned out well,” Hoekstra laughed.
With this result, Hoekstra also finished ahead of live Rolex Grand Slam contender Kent Farrington with Toulayna, who placed tenth. Bas Moerings crowned his successful weekend with an eleventh place.

Praise for Sport and Organization
Sport director Jeroen Dubbeldam looked back on the competition with satisfaction.
“As a sport director, you can only be happy with the kind of sport we saw today. This is a fantastic advertisement for our sport. Richard rode an incredible jump-off, truly a riding lesson to watch, but the other riders jumped fantastically as well. It was fair, challenging sport.”
Dubbeldam also had high praise for course designer Konickx: “It’s always difficult to build a course where the best rise to the top, while still allowing other combinations to survive. Louis did that perfectly.”
Dubbeldam is proud of this edition of The Dutch Masters. “The grandstands were full all week, and behind the scenes an incredible team is working. For me, that actually makes the job very easy. I’m a proud and satisfied sport director.”

Photos: TDM/Digishots