Henrik von Eckermann Scoops The Dutch Masters Rolex Grand Prix Honors
Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) riding Toveks Mary Lou took The Rolex Grand Prix honors, during an exhilarating action-packed class at the 2019 edition of The Dutch Masters. Victorious only by a narrow margin, hot on Eckermann’s heels was Rolex Testimonee and current FEI World number one, Steve Guerdat (SUI) riding Albfuehren’s Bianca. Third place went to former FEI World number one Peder Fredricson (SWE) riding H&M Christian K.
Forty of the world’s elite horse and rider combinations contended for the Rolex Grand Prix during this, the 52nd edition of the Dutch Masters. The Rolex class was the highlight of the this year’s four-day competition and the first Major in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping in 2019. A venue steeped in equestrian history and recognized for being one of the hardest courses in the world, the course designer Louis Konickx, ensured it lived up to expectations.
It was not until the 27th rider, Germany’s Daniel Deusser entered the arena, that the crowd were welcomed to a faultless round. Shortly following Deusser was World No. 1 Steve Guerdat, who expertly guided his talented mare around the 17 jumping efforts.
With three clears to follow, a shortened course was presented to the animated Dutch crowd and the five successful combinations. Despite a heroic effort from Guerdat, his clear round was narrowly beaten by Sweden’s von Eckermann, who stopped the Rolex clock at 40.45 seconds to take the title and become the new Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender.
Looking ahead to July, all eyes will be on CHIO Aachen, the next Major in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. In 2019 Rolex celebrates a 20-year partnership with CHIO Aachen, one of the world’s most prestigious Majors, demonstrating Rolex’s enduring relationship with equestrian sport.
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.