ROAD TO ROLEX IJRC TOP 10 FINAL: Steve Guerdat

STEVE GUERDAT (SUI) - 10/06/1982 -

With his victory in the 2023 edition of the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final on Venard de Cerisy, the Swiss rider set a new record: no one had ever been on the roll of honour of this prestigious event three times. The victory came at the end of a spectacular jump-off. The Palexpo favourite was the only one of the three riders admitted (he was joined by Von Eckermann and Farrington) to score a clear round.  

Prior to the 2023 edition, the Swiss star, who is a phenomenon in the world of show jumping, had already won this competition in 2010 (Jalisca Solier) and in 2018 (Alamo).

In the last eleven years, Steve has only missed the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final twice, in 2015 and 2022.

Enfant prodige, aged 20, he became the youngest rider to break into the Top Ten.

His achievements are nothing less than extraordinary: 6 Olympic participations (the last one in Paris where he won the individual silver medal), 8 European Championships (the first one in San Patrignano in 2005). He was individual gold in London 2012, scored three victories in the FEI World Cup finals, was individual bronze medallist at the 2018 World Championships in Tryon and wears the 2023 European Championships winner's sash earned in Milan.

His headquarters are in Elgg, in the Zurich district, in the former stable of the great champion Paul Weier.

Which horse will you ride in the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final and why?

«I will ride Albfuehren''s iashin Sitte».

What is the moment from last season that you carry in your heart?

«The Olympic Games in Paris»

What plans do you have for 2025?

«The same as every year. The Word Cup Final in Basel, and then the Rolex Grand Slam Shows».

The Top Ten in Geneve is special... What is the added value of this competition for you?

«I probably answer this question a hundred and fifty times... The Top Ten in Geneve is special because it’s one of the best show in the year and the Top Ten is a special class because you have the best riders and horses of the sport together for one class in a special format that is very nice, easy to understand for the public. It’s the best our sport has to offer».