Steve Guerdat becomes live contender for Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping at Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’
Rolex Testimonee Steve Guerdat reigned supreme among the world’s best show jumping talent to win the CP ‘International’, presented by Rolex. The Swiss champion produced a masterful display with his horse Venard de Cerisy on the final day of CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament to capture the prestigious 5* Grand Prix, and in so doing, become the new live contender of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.
The event, steeped in equestrian tradition, culture and history, rewards precision, boldness and teamwork, attributes amply demonstrated by the winning combination. Their unique bond, crafted over time with great care and expertise, enabled them to push the boundaries and overcome the obstacles placed before them.
The CP ‘International’, presented by Rolex is a two-round competition, with competitors on equal scores after the second leg going through to a jump-off if required. Four out of the 12 horse and rider combinations progressing to the second round qualified with zero penalties, and despite some exceptional performances over the second, shortened course, to pile on the pressure, Guerdat was the only rider to jump two faultless rounds.
Joining Guerdat in Canada were three other members of the Rolex family of Testimonees, with both Kent Farrington and Scott Brash also making it through to the final 12. Farrington, despite not having a fence down throughout, had a foot in the water in the first round to finish on four faults, in a time fast enough for second place. Brash, the only rider to have won the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, added four faults to his first-round score of four, to finish eventual sixth.
Rolex, the Presenting Sponsor of the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament since 1989, has been a committed partner of equestrianism for more than 60 years, supporting the finest riders, competitions and institutions in the sport. The focus of the equestrian world will now turn to CHIO Aachen this coming weekend for the next Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major, the sport’s ultimate challenge, which rewards the rider who wins the Grand Prix at three of the four Majors in succession.
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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.