The 23rd edition of the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final took place this evening at the renowned CHI Geneva, and represented the pinnacle of show jumping. As one of the most prestigious classes on the equestrian calendar, it brings together the top-ranked show jumpers for a unique, innovative, and thrilling competition. Often compared to the Nitto ATP Finals and WTA Finals in tennis, the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final is a true celebration of skill, talent, and horsemanship.
The atmosphere at CHI Geneva was unmatched, with thousands of passionate equestrian fans filling the impressive arena, eagerly anticipating the sensational spectacle ahead. The elite field of 10 riders included not only the reigning individual Olympic, World, and European gold medallists, but also the current live contender of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.
With both rounds counting and faults accumulating, the pressure was on the riders from the moment they entered the ring. In the opening round, riders competed in reverse order of their rankings, meaning that the victor of last night’s Trophée de Genève – Martin Fuchs – was the first to take on the challenge. Fuchs rose to the occasion in style, delivering a foot-perfect round to set the standard for the nine remaining riders. The first of the two American riders, McLain Ward, collected just four faults, as did Max Kühner, while current Olympic individual champion Christian Kukuk completed the course with a clear score sheet, keeping his hopes alive for the coveted title.
Rolex Testimonee Richard Vogel, competing in his first Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final with his superb stallion United Touch S, had an unfortunate round with two fences falling. Both Julien Epaillard and Kent Farrington delivered fast and faultless clears, with Farrington taking the lead in a time of 64.38 seconds. The 2021 winner of the class, Ben Maher, also mastered Gérard Lachat’s course, meaning that with just two horses to go, five combinations had kept a clear scorecard.
Last year’s winner, Steve Guerdat, hoped to make history once again by claiming a fourth Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final title. However, heartbreak struck when the final vertical fell, dashing his chances. World No. 1 Henrik von Eckermann, who has held the top spot in the rankings for over two years, once again showcased his skill by jumping to the top of the leaderboard in the first round.
After a short break, riders returned to face a shortened course. While victory seemed out of reach for those who had faulted in the first round, a clear round could still put pressure on those with no penalties. Germany’s Richard Vogel, McLain Ward, and Austria’s Max Kühner all rose to the challenge with flawless performances.
Attention then turned to the final six riders, all entering the arena with zero penalties from the first round. Great Britain’s Ben Maher was the first of these, setting a strong benchmark with a clear round in 48.59 seconds. Christian Kukuk was unable to match Maher’s pace, but the crowd then erupted as Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei shaved 1.56 seconds off Maher’s time to take the provisional lead. Julien Epaillard, known for his speed, accrued eight faults meaning that hopes for a home win were still alive with just two riders left to go. Rolex Testimonee Kent Farrington mounted a strong challenge but crossed the line in 48.05 seconds, narrowly missing out.
In a shocking turn, last to go, Henrik von Eckermann had an uncharacteristic glance-off at the second-to-last fence, meaning that Martin Fuchs continued his sensational form and claimed the 23rd edition of the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final.
Rolex Testimonee Martin Fuchs commented: “I received a call from Conor Swail on Sunday night saying his flight been cancelled, and that I was therefore in the class and I should try to win it. I carried these words with me for the entire week. I rode my top horse, Leone Jei, for this class, because it is one that I really wanted to win. It was a big goal in my career, so I am happy that tonight was my night.”
Results here.
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