ROLEX GRAND PRIX RETURNS TO THE ETERNAL CITY OF ROME

The world's elite show jumping riders will be welcomed to the pres Piazza di Siena in the Eternal City of Rome from 23–26 May to contest the Rolex Grand Prix. A marvel of landscape architecture, this famous setting will play host to four days of intense competition.

For more than 60 years Rolex has been a dedicated supporter of equestrianism in a privileged relationship that permeates all levels of the sport. The Swiss watch manufacturer not only partners with all four Majors – The Dutch Masters, CHIO Aachen, the CSIO Spruce Meadows 'Masters' and the CHI Geneva – but with other innovative and prestigious competitions, including the CSIO Roma.

CONTENDING ROLEX TESTIMONEES
Course designer for the CSIO Roma since 2000, Uliano Vezzani is renowned for his tough Grand Prix layouts, and competitors can expect it, as always, to be meticulously planned and supremely challenging, requiring precision and boldness.

Switzerland's Steve Guerdat, who has held the World No. 1 ranking for five consecutive months, will pose a strong threat to fellow Testimonee, Kent Farrington. Always a force to be reckoned with, USA’s Kent Farrington is on fine form, as displayed by his recent fifth-place finish in the Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Royal Windsor Horse Show. "Being able to compete in the city of Rome is a setting like no other, making both a beautiful place and a historical venue for our sport. My horses are feeling good so hopefully we can be at our best for the competition." Farrington said.

Competing alongside his fellow Rolex Testimonees will be Great Britain’s Scott Brash. An equestrian phenomenon, Brash is the only rider to have lifted the coveted Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping trophy for winning three consecutive Grands Prix at the Major events. World No. 5 Martin Fuchs, a member of the Rolex New Guard, will also have the opportunity to showcase his burgeoning talent. Completing the roster of Rolex Testimonees will be France's Kevin Staut, team gold medallist at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and Dutch rider Jeroen Dubbeldam, who has won individual Olympic (Sydney 2000), World (Caen 2014) and European (Aachen 2015) titles.