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International Jumping Riders Club
Equestrianism’s Elite Return to the CHI Geneva for Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final and concluding Rolex Grand Slam Major of 2022
Geneva, 1 December 2022 – The Concours Hippique International de Genève (CHI Geneva) will return to the Palexpo Arena from 7–11 December to host two of the season’s most anticipated competitions; The Rolex International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) Top 10 Final and the fourth and final Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major of 2022.
THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX
Rolex has been the presenting sponsor of the CHI Geneva since 1995, with the show hosting the final Major in the iconic calendar of Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping events, following The Dutch Masters, the CHIO Aachen and the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament earlier in the year. Taking place in the brand’s home city, the long-term partnership perfectly demonstrates Rolex’s unwavering dedication to equestrianism.
The show culminates on Sunday 11 December with the Rolex Grand Prix, a competition renowned for its testing courses in one of the biggest indoor equestrian arenas in the world. Precision, bravery and athleticism are essential qualities demanded by both horse and rider to compete at this level, qualities that will be on display as the partnerships take on the challenge set by world-renowned course designers Gérard Lachat of Switzerland and Louis Konickx of the Netherlands.
Initiated in 2013, The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is the most sought-after prize in the sport, awarded to a rider who completes the impressive feat of winning three consecutive Majors. To this day, Rolex Testimonee Scott Brash is the only Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping champion, with his historical victory in 2015.
Germany’s Daniel Deusser heads to the CHI Geneva as the current live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping following his exceptional performance at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament in September. The Rolex Testimonee took victory in the CP ‘International’, presented by Rolex aboard Killer Queen VDM, and will be aiming to deliver the same level of skill and precision in Geneva.
Looking forward to CHI Geneva, Deusser said:
“Heading to CHI Geneva as the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender is incredibly exciting and for sure I will be giving it my all to win. It is one of the best shows on the circuit and as with all the Rolex Grand Slam events, it will have the finest riders and horses taking part, so it will be a great competition.”
All eyes will also be on Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs as the only rider in history to achieve consecutive Rolex Grand Prix wins at the CHI Geneva, in 2019 and 2021 (2020 edition cancelled due to Covid). Fellow Rolex Testimonee Fuchs will be looking to once again make history by retaining this prestigious title for a further record third time in succession.
The 2022 FEI Jumping World CupTM Final winner said:
“CHI Geneva is an extremely special show for me as it’s my home Major with a fantastic venue and great tradition. It’s a show that I always plan towards, and this year will be no different. To win the Rolex Grand Prix there twice was incredible, especially last year with such a young horse, and I would love to make it three in a row.”
THE ROLEX IJRC TOP 10 FINAL
On Friday night of the CHI Geneva, all attention will focus on the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final. In this competition, the world’s top 10 ranked riders compete against each other for the right to be crowned champion. The unique event has been supported by Rolex since its inception in 2001 and is the only competition of its kind within the sport, pitting the world’s best riders against each other in a one-off class.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
ROLEX GRAND PRIX WINNERS
2021 Martin Fuchs (SUI), Leone Jei
2019 Martin Fuchs (SUI), Clooney 51
2018 Marcus Ehning (GER), Pret A Tout
2017 Kent Farrington (USA), Gazelle
2016 Pedro Veniss (BRA), Quabri de L’Isle
2015 Steve Guerdat (SUI), Nino des Buissonnets
2014 Scott Brash (GBR), Hello Sanctos
2013 Steve Guerdat (SUI), Nino des Buissonnets
2012 Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS), Itôt du Château
2011 Alvaro de Miranda (BRA), AD Ashleigh Drossel Dan
2010 Kevin Staut (FRA), Silvana*HDC
2008 Eric Lamaze (CAN), Hickstead
2007 Ludger Beerbaum (GER), All Inclusive NRW
2006 Steve Guerdat (SUI), Jalisca Solier
2005 Thomas Frühmann (AUT), The Sixth Sense
2004 Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA), Baloubet du Rouet
2003 Thomas Velin (DAN), Equest Carnute
ROLEX IJRC TOP 10 FINAL WINNERS
2021 Ben Maher (GBR), Explosion W (Geneva)
2019 Kent Farrington (SUI), Austria 2 (Geneva)
2018 Steve Guerdat (SUI), Alamo, (Geneva)
2017 Kevin Staut (FRA), Rêveur de Hurtebise* HDC, (Geneva)
2016 Eric Lamaze (CAN), Fine Lady 5, (Geneva)
2015 Kent Farrington (USA), Voyeur, (Geneva)
2014 Scott Brash (GBR), Hello Sanctos, (Geneva)
2013 Daniel Deusser (GER), Evita van de Veldbalie, (Stockholm)
2012 Christian Ahlmann (GER), Taloubet Z, (Geneva)
2011 Billy Twomey (IRL), Tinka’s Serenade, (Paris)
2010 Steve Guerdat (SUI), Jalisca Solier, (Geneva)
2009 Marcus Ehning (GER), Plot Blue, (Paris)
2008 Michel Robert (FRA), Kellemoi de Pepita, (Brussels)
2007 Jessica Kürten (IRL), Castle Forbes Libertina, (Geneva)
2006 Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER), Shutterfly, (Geneva)
2005 Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA), Baloubet du Rouet, (Geneva)
2004 Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER), Shutterfly, (Geneva)
2003 Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA), Baloubet du Rouet, (Geneva)
(Names in bold denote Rolex equestrian Testimonees)
ABOUT ROLEX
An unrivalled reputation for quality and expertise
Rolex is an integrated and independent Swiss watch manufacture. Headquartered in Geneva, the brand is recognized the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products – symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. The movements of its Oyster Perpetual and Cellini watches are certified by COSC, then tested in-house for their precision, performance and reliability. The Superlative Chronometer certification, symbolized by the green seal, confirms that each watch has successfully undergone tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria. These are periodically validated by an independent external organization.
The word “Perpetual” is inscribed on every Rolex Oyster watch. But more than just a word on a dial, it is a philosophy that embodies the company’s vision and values. Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of the company, instilled a notion of perpetual excellence that would drive the company forward. This led Rolex to pioneer the development of the wristwatch and numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism, invented in 1931. In the course of its history, Rolex has registered over 500 patents. At its four sites in Switzerland, the brand designs, develops and produces the majority of its watch components, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Furthermore, the brand is actively involved in supporting the arts and culture, sport and exploration, as well as those who are devising solutions to preserve the planet.
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