5* Rolex Grand Prix 2021 takes centre stage at RWHS
RWHS 5* Rolex Grand Prix Preview, 2021
The CHI Royal Windsor Horse Show 5* Rolex Grand Prix will take centre stage this Sunday (4th July, 2021) as a selection of the world’s finest showjumping combinations tackle this year’s spectacular course.
Taking place 1-4 July, the event is held in the private grounds of Windsor Castle, where the public is afforded once-a-year access. An array of top-class competition features over the four days, including show jumping, dressage, carriage driving and endurance riding – culminating in the prestigious 5* Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday.
Course designer Bernardo Costa Cabral is expected to provide an exciting challenge for all Grand Prix competitors, requiring of them and their horses the highest levels of technical precision.
Rolex Testimonee Bertram Allen Riding GK Casper at CHI Royal Windsor Horse Show 2019. Image copyright Kit Houghton/Rolex
First staged in 1943, Royal Windsor’s unwavering commitment to tradition and excellence reflects Rolex’s own defining philosophy. The show’s elite status is firmly established on the international equestrian calendar, with the Grand Prix upgraded to five-star category in 2017, the year after Rolex joined as Official Partner.
For more than 60 years, Rolex has developed a close relationship with equestrianism, dating back to 1957 when pioneering British show jumper Pat Smythe became the brand’s first Testimonee in the sport. Since then, as part of its own quest for perpetual excellence, Rolex has forged lasting bonds with key individuals and organizations. The brand’s presence at the heart of the sport is highlighted by its support for equestrianism’s most coveted trophy, the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, as well as prestigious Grand Prix around the world.
Rolex testimonees set to compete in this year’s 5* Grand Prix class
World No. 2 Steve Guerdat will lead a distinguished field of competitors at Royal Windsor, aiming to regain the title he won with Albfuehren’s Bianca, in 2018. He faces fierce competition from Swiss teammate and fellow Rolex Testimonee Martin Fuchs, the reigning individual European champion and current World No. 3.
British challenger Scott Brash is the only rider to complete the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – the sport’s most demanding challenge – when he won three consecutive Majors in 2014–2015 with his champion horse Hello Sanctos. Brash, a Rolex Testimonee, said:
Royal Windsor is always a very special show. It’s a stunning setting and to have the support of the British fans gives me such a boost. The Rolex Grand Prix at Windsor is one of the most competitive on the circuit and I am really looking forward to taking on this year’s challenge.”
Rolex Testimonee Scott Brash at CHI Royal Windsor Horse Show 2018. Image copyright Kit Houghton/Rolex
Fellow Briton Harry Charles, Rolex’s youngest Testimonee will be striving for his first Rolex Grand Prix victory. For inspiration, he can look to more experienced members of the Rolex family who will be competing, including Kent Farrington of the United States who won back-to-back Grand Prix here in 2016 and 2017, as well as France’s Kevin Staut who enjoyed success at Royal Windsor, taking individual gold at the European Championships when they were held at the venue in 2009.
For more information on the 2021 Royal Windsor Horse Show visit rwhs.co.uk
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.
