ROLEX IJRC TOP TEN FINAL: THAT’S WHAT THEY SAY

A fantastic party and an unforgettable evening at Geneva's sold-out Palexpo yesterday celebrated the 23rd edition of the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final. The warmth of the crowd made the stands vibrate to celebrate the victory of Martin Fuchs on Leone Jei, his partner at the recent Olympic Games in Paris and winner of the prestigious Rolex Grand Prix of Geneva three years ago.

The 33-year-old Swiss rider, who along with Steve Guerdat is one of the crowd favourites, has been one of the protagonists of this competition in each of the last five editions, without ever finishing on the podium (best result 5th twice).
«The Rolex IJRC Top Ten is in my dreams - said Martin on the eve of the competition, interviewed on his victory in the Trophée de Geneve on Conner Jei on the opening day. - That's why I decided to ride Leone Jei».

It seems like the fate was sealed because Martin, who by a single point difference in the ranking list that designated the names of the top ten occupied 11th place, only entered the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final competitors after the forfeit of Irishman Conor Swail.

The dream came true as a tearful Fuchs climbed the top step of the podium alongside Kent Farrington (Toulayna) and Ben Maher (Point Break), the only other two riders to complete the two rounds without faults, qualifying, accordingly with the chronometer, second and third respectively.

François Mathy JR – IJRC President

«Great sport, strong emotions and a unique atmosphere. This edition of the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final was absolutely great. I’d like to thank Rolex, which supports our club and this magnificent competition from the beginning. It is with great pleasure that I congratulate all the riders who took part. Particular praise goes to Martin who, over and above the result, showed that he was willing to give everything to win, from the first to the last fence on both courses. After he entered the arena for his second round, there were three more very creditable pairs to go and the competition was very exciting until the very end».

Eleonora Ottaviani – IJRC Director

«What amazes me is that this competition, whose formula was conceived twenty years ago in order to offer something innovative and, above all, attractive on television, is still very much up to date. This is demonstrated first and foremost by the care with which the riders choose their horses. There is no history: to win the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final, you need top horses. We are increasingly pleased with the interest shown by the public. Whatever the day, the grandstands are always sold out. The event is a must for all stakeholders, even from different generations. I know how much Martin has wanted to get his name on the roll of honour since he first took part in 2018. I am really happy that he has achieved this goal».

Martin Fuchs – 0/0 47.02

«It was a very good second round for my horse Leone Jei. He has a huge stride and an incredible jump. So, I knew the fastest riders in the world were coming after me so I try to put a lot of pressure on them and I really went for it. It all worked out just as I planned it, with a very nice forwards 8 stride action towards the last fence... But I was not sure if that would have been enough considering the riders that still had to go in the starting order. Any of them could have been faster... So, it was a long time watching their performances before I could enjoy my win». «Thank you to our loyal sponsor Rolex for supporting the IJRC and this class for so many years, and this show, and the best shows in the world, - Fuchs added. - It was a great evening».

Kent Farrington – 0/0 48,05

«My Toulayna jumped very well in both rounds. She performed incredibly well in the first round. She was here last year and she did very well. That’s the reason why I wanted to have her here this year too. The Rolex IJRC Top Ten Finals is such a goal for all of us. Such a fantastic show at the end of the year with the best riders of the world and I really wanted to offer our best. I think I could have made my second round better but Martin had such an amazing round and was really taught to beat. As you all see, tonight it was a really top competition, with all the best riders and horses».

Ben Maher – 0/0 48,59

«Point Break had an amazing evening tonight. He is so consistent and still learning a lot. I’m very proud of him. In the last four years I’ve been concentrating on him and the owner are here and has been great to be on the podium. I probably was in a good spot in the second round. It was good but I won’t probably say I could have gone faster in this moment in his career. I had much more strides but I think I did the right thing for my horse. I would have loved to be sitting where Martin is... but I hope one day in the future... I think Martin round tonight was unbeatable so I can just congratulate with him».

Results

Photos@credit IJRC/F.Petroni