CHIO Aachen is one of the oldest and most revered events in equestrian sport, attracting 350,000 spectators annually. The 2019 edition will welcome international competitors for nine days of elite competition from July 12-21, including Canada’s Eric Lamaze, who is expected at the prestigious competition.
This year marks the show’s 20-year partnership with Rolex and a highlight will once again be the Rolex Grand Prix, which will provide a thrilling climax to proceedings on Sunday July 21st in the electrifying atmosphere of the 40,000-seat stadium located in the Aachen Soers showgrounds in western Germany.
The enduring relationship between Rolex and one of the most prestigious horse shows in the equestrian calendar reflects the Swiss watch manufacturer’s unwavering commitment to the sport that dates back more than 60 years.
ROLEX GRAND SLAM OF SHOW JUMPING
Rolex has supported the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping since its inaugural year in 2013 as part of its long-term contribution to equestrianism. Comprising the four Majors – The Dutch Masters, CHIO Aachen, CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ and CHI Geneva – the Rolex Grand Slam transcends all other equestrian challenges. It rewards a rider who wins three consecutive Majors, a feat requiring a sustained display of precision and excellence that has been achieved by only one athlete, Rolex Testimonee Scott Brash, starting at the CHI Geneva in 2014 and completed in 2015.
After an impressive victory at The Dutch Masters in March, Rolex Grand Slam contender Henrik von Eckermann will continue his quest. “It’s very special to win one of the Majors of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, it’s one of those wins that you would really like to get as a rider,” von Eckermann said.
THE ROLEX FAMILY OF TESTIMONEES
A strong roster of Rolex Testimonees will be looking to challenge von Eckermann for the Rolex Grand Prix title, which will be contested on the Frank Rothenberger-designed course. Three members of the Rolex equestrian family – Steve Guerdat (SUI), Martin Fuchs (SUI) and Kent Farrington (USA) – are currently ranked in the world’s top 10 and will enter the competition in confident mood. After his fifth-place finish last year, Guerdat is aiming for victory, saying, “Rolex has done so much for our sport, so winning one of the four Majors in the Rolex Grand Slam is an incredibly special achievement. I’ve come very close to the win in Aachen before, so hopefully this will be my year to be crowned champion.”
Brash is also likely to challenge for top honours. He won the Rolex Grand Prix here in 2015 en route to that famous Rolex Grand Slam triumph and the Scotsman continues to strive for perfection. Rolex’s youngest equestrian Testimonee Bertram Allen (IRE) will also be looking to make his mark at CHIO Aachen.
Canadian rider and fellow Rolex Testimonee Eric Lamaze has achieved extraordinary success during his career, including individual champion at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and a winner at CHIO Aachen in 2010. Contending alongside Lamaze will be France’s Kevin Staut, team gold medallist at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Completing the roster of Testimonees in action will be German national hero Isabell Werth, an exceptional rider who will be passionately supported by the home crowd. Throughout her glittering career, Werth has become known as “the Queen of Dressage”. Celebrating her 10-year partnership with Rolex, Werth’s peerless achievements include 10 Olympic Games medals, six of them gold.
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