Where equestrian athletes become legends: The Rolex Grand Slam starts in Aachen

It is the biggest equestrian sport challenge ever: Winning the show-jumpers’ Rolex Grand Slam.

Three of the most prestigious and famous sporting events in the world have joined ranks to unite not only more than 5.7 million Euros in prize-money, but also 1,000 accredited journalists, 700,000 spectators and over 200 years of equestrian sport history. Whoever succeeds in claiming the victory in the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen, at the Spruce Meadows Masters and the CHI in Geneva in direct succession, wins the Rolex Grand Slam – and with it a bonus of one million Euros additional prize-money. “The Rolex Grand Slam is is a huge challenge almost impossible to win – almost”, says Swiss rider Pius Schwizer.

But far more important than the prize-money is the opportunity to become immortal as one of the only equestrian legends to have won the coveted Rolex Grand Slam. Exceptional performances are required to makes one’s name infinitely unforgettable.

The system of the Rolex Grand Slam is simple: Anyone, who wins three shows in a row, receives 1 million Euros on top of the prize-money of each show. Moreover, anyone who wins two out of the three shows, also receives a bonus. If two shows are won in succession, the bonus is 500,000 Euros. If the rider is successful in qualifying for the “two out of three mode”, but doesn’t claim the victories at two consecutive shows, the bonus total 250,000 Euros. It is only the rider that counts, not the horse. It is possible to claim the bonus riding different horses.

This system is infinite, it is not limited to a calendar year. It is a never ending story which starts now. In Aachen. “The Rolex Grand Prix, the Grand Prix of Aachen, is quite literally a big prize. The Rolex Grand Slam is a further progression, which is unique in the world of equestrian sport. A true challenge for every show-jumper”, says French rider Pénélope Leprevost.

German rider Ludger Beerbaum agrees: „The Rolex Grand Slam is a great chance for all jumping riders but, at the same time, it is also a very high goal which can only be reached by the very best. For me, the Rolex Grand Slam is unthinkable without Aachen, because the Rolex Grand Prix of CHIO Aachen in the cooperation Aachen – Calgary – Geneva is without doubt the icing on the cake.”

Interview with Otto Becker, German National Jumping Coach:

Question: What do you think about the Rolex Grand Slam, which kicks off here in Aachen on Sunday?

Becker: I am delighted that Rolex is committing itself even further in the jumping sport with the Rolex Grand Slam. Aachen, which is participating in this cooperation, is a unique show here in Germany. The Grand Prix of Aachen is already a huge challenge for the show-jumpers, but the Rolex Grand Slam creates an additional motivation for the show-jumpers.

Question: What qualities must a rider have to win the Rolex Grand Slam?

Becker: The pair has to harmonise perfectly together: the horse and rider have to form one unit and as is the case with every Grand Prix they have to be top fit of course.

Question: What do you think about the CHIO Aachen being part of the Rolex Grand Slam?

Becker: Aachen is Aachen – it is difficult to describe in words. The CHIO Aachen is the best event in the world with a fantastic crowd and top conditions for both horse and rider. But the best thing about it is that the equestrian sport is still the focus of attention in Aachen. This is what predestines Aachen for such a cooperation.

Question: Which rider do you think could win the Rolex Grand Slam?

Becker: That is difficult to answer – it is not going to be easy to win three Grand Prix in a row. My favourite song at riding shows is of course the German national anthem, which we will hopefully hear on Sunday. We will just have to wait and see about everything else.