The second Major of 2018 has been won by Germany’s Marcus Ehning riding Pret A Tout, as horse and rider produced three exceptional clear rounds in the highlight of CHIO Aachen, the Rolex Grand Prix. Second place went to Luciana Diniz (POR) riding Fit For Fun 13 and third place to Pedro Veniss (BRA) riding Quabri De l’Isle.

The sun streamed through the clouds to light up the main arena, as 40,000 passionate equestrian fans waited for the world’s top international riders to contend for the second Major of the year in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

Highly respected course designer of 40 years, Frank Rothenberger, assembled an impressive first round with 13 obstacles, reaching up to 1.70 metres. “It’s a very tough course this year, there will be two rounds with a tricky jump-off too, we have built a course almost to the maximum that we can build, so it should be very interesting”, Rothenberger commented. The towering course appeared intimidating, and one capacity height jump certainly proved too challenging for some, however the roster of riders tackled the course with confidence, power and determination. This thrilling round resulted in 11 clears, and 18 pairs moved into round two with an enraptured crowd looking on.

Advertisement