The International Jumping Riders Club since 1977 is the voice of the showjumping riders from around the world.
The International Jumping Riders Club since 1977 is the voice of the showjumping riders from around the world.
Geneva, 11 December 2023 – The 2023 Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva was won by Richard Vogel from Germany riding United Touch S, with Ireland’s Mark McAuley and Belgium’s Christian Kukuk finishing second and third respectively.
Vogel’s success at the packed Palexpo Arena was his first victory in this prestigious class, a competition renowned for its testing courses in one of the world’s biggest indoor equestrian arenas. The 2023 edition lived up to all expectations, showcasing exceptional sport between the world’s best horse and rider combinations. Vogel will now head into 2024 as the new Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender.
As the first of seven combinations to take to the arena for the jump-off, Vogel put the pressure on the remaining riders with an impressive display of speed and athleticism. Those who followed – including Rolex Testimonees Steve Guerdat and Jessica Springsteen – were not able to match Vogel’s pace, accruing faults in their efforts to claim the coveted title. Both McAuley and Kukuk put on an effortless display of jumping to be double clear, but the huge stride and remarkable agility of United Touch S, an 11-year-old stallion, meant his time to beat was not challenged.
The Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva in Switzerland was the final equestrian Major of 2023, which together with the Rolex Grands Prix at The Dutch Masters, the CHIO Aachen, and the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex at the CSIO Spruce Meadows 'Masters' Tournament form the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, considered to be the sport’s most demanding challenge.
The CHI Geneva also played host to the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final on Friday 8 December, where the 10 highest ranked riders in the world competed against each other over two rounds. Rolex Testimonee Steve Guerdat was victorious, jumping the only double clear of the competition to claim a historic third win in the prestigious class aboard Venard de Cerisy. Fellow Rolex Testimonee Kent Farrington joined Guerdat on the podium, finishing in third place.