The Dutch Masters – the highly anticipated first Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major of the calendar year – came to a thrilling conclusion this afternoon with the highlight class, the Rolex Grand Prix, which featured 39 of the world’s most elite horse-and-rider combinations.
The atmosphere inside the Brabanthallen was electric, with fans eagerly awaiting to see if reigning Rolex Grand Slam live contender, Harrie Smolders, could secure back-to-back Majors in his quest for the sport’s ultimate prize. However, the road to victory would not be easy, as the competition was fierce, featuring a stellar lineup of riders, including reigning World Champion Henrik von Eckermann, three-time Olympic gold medallist Ben Maher, and the in-form American rider Kent Farrington, all vying for this prestigious Rolex Grand Prix title.
Louis Konickx’s 14-combination course was typically challenging and technical, providing a true test of scope, stamina, and athleticism. It was not until the seventh rider to go, Yuri Mansur, that a coveted clear round was produced – a result that was not replicated until the last horse to jump before the halfway mark. This next elusive clear round came from none other than the only rider to have claimed the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, Britain’s Scott Brash, who was partnered today with the bay mare Hello Chadora Lady.
France’s Simon Delestre, a former World No.1 and team bronze medallist at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games this summer, showed his class as he added his name to the list of riders advancing to the jump-off. It was, however, heartbreak for Belgium’s Pieter Devos, who finished with just one costly time fault.
After 30 horses, the home crowd had yet to witness a Dutch clear round. Defending champion Willem Greve was next into the arena, and despite Grandorado TN N.O.P. showing incredible scope, the Dutchman faulted at fence 11, a tricky skinny brown vertical. To the disappointment of the packed arena, the home nation would not be represented in the jump-off, as both Harrie Smolders and Maikel van der Vleuten were also unable to master the testing course.
Smolders’ four faults came at the Tulip Double, which, in total, caused 16 faults across the first round. Belgium’s Gilles Thomas – who, until this afternoon, was the only rider to have maintained a 100% clear rate in the first round of the Majors – was another who faulted here, as did top contenders Kent Farrington, Lillie Keenan, and Julien Epaillard.
No further riders managed to produce the rounds they had hoped for, meaning just three would proceed into the jump-off. Returning in the same order as in the first round, Brazil’s Yuri Mansur was the first to re-enter the historic arena. Mansur set the pace with a time of 43.08 seconds, but the final Rolex oxer fell, leaving the door open for the two remaining riders. Brash also finished with four faults but posted a quicker time, taking the provisional lead. Last to go, Delestre riding Cayman Jolly Jumper delivered the only double clear of the competition to claim not only his, but also France’s first Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major victory.
The Frenchman commented: “This is an amazing result! Winning this prestigious Rolex Grand Prix here with Cayman Jolly Jumper, who is the greatest horse that I have ever ridden is incredible. Two years ago, I had the final fence down in the jump-off, which was our best result in this class at the time. Now, to have won is just amazing. He really deserves it, and I am so proud of him. Today’s course was very tough, but he showed all his talent, and it is a great feeling!”
Results here.
Re-live the excitement of the event, including impressive performances from the six Rolex Testimonees competing:
