RICHARD VOGEL & UNITED TOUCH S TRIUMPH AT THE DUTCH MASTERS

The Dutch Masters concluded this afternoon with its pinnacle class – the Rolex Grand Prix. In total, 37 of the world’s leading horse and rider combinations gathered to contest the first Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major of the calendar year. 

The exceptional field included several previous Major winners, among them Kent Farrington, winner of the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva, who entered the Main Arena as the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender.

Joining Farrington in the stellar lineup were reigning World Champion Henrik von Eckermann, three-time Olympic gold medallist Ben Maher, and former Rolex Grand Slam champion and World No.1 Scott Brash – all vying for the prestigious title.

Course designer Louis Konickx set a typically demanding and technical 14-combination track, presenting a true test of scope, stamina, and athleticism. The first to master the testing course was the fifth rider to enter the packed arena, Rolex Testimonee Sophie Hinners. Just one horse later, the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender Kent Farrington kept his quest for the sport’s ultimate prize alive and ensured there would be a jump-off. By the halfway point, four additional riders – including European Champion Richard Vogel and Brazilian rider Yuri Mansur – had joined the coveted list of combinations to produce a clear round.

Dutch riders Hessel Hoekstra and Bas Moerings – winner of the VDL Groep Prize earlier in the week – set the home crowd alight with faultless performances, while some of the sport’s biggest names, namely Martin Fuchs, Henrik von Eckermann and Thibeau Spits, also demonstrated their class to progress to the second round.

In total, 11 horse and rider combinations returned to the Main Arena for the jump-off, with Germany’s Richard Vogel – riding the huge-striding stallion United Touch S – setting the early standard with a clear in a time of 39.42 seconds. Despite impressive clear rounds from Pieter Devos, Martin Fuchs, Henrik von Eckermann and Thibeau Spits, none of the remaining riders could match Vogel’s time, meaning the German rider took the victory and claimed his second Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major.

Speaking after his victory, Vogel said: “I am delighted with how everything turned out. United Touch S jumped incredibly in both rounds – he is such an amazing horse. The way he can jump oxers out of such tight turns – I think he is the only horse who can do it like that. He is so athletic. I am absolutely over the moon with this result.”

The Rolex Testimonee continued: “All of the Rolex Grand Slam Majors are the best in the world – which means the best riders and their best horses compete at them. They are highlights of our show calendar, so to come out on top today is a privilege. To be the live contender heading into the TSCHIO Aachen is, of course, pressure – but a nice pressure to have, and we will try to make a good plan to do our best there.”

RESULTS