It’s not been a bad weekend for Scott Brash, who claimed £270,000 in prize money after winning both the Rolex Grand Prix and the Rolex Top 10 Final at CHI Geneva.
World’s top ten
Now in its 14th year, the Rolex International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) Top 10 Final is the most competitive showjumping class in the world.
Only the top 10 riders in the FEI rankings are invited to take part, and this year saw Scott compete again Marcus Ehning, Kent Farrington, Kevin Staut, Patrice Delaveau, Daniel Deusseur, Mikael van der Vleuten, Steve Guerdat and Penelope Leprevost.
Proving why he is the world number one, Scott produced the only double clear with Hello Sanctos to win the class. France’s Patrice Delaveau was second with just one time fault in the first round, while Swiss rider Steve Guerdat was third with the fastest four faults.
Inimitable Brash
Sunday’s Grand Prix (14 December), which forms part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping, also attracted a sterling line-up. But once again it was the inimitable Mr Brash and Hello Sanctos who proved unbeatable.
Twelve combinations made it through to the jump-off, with the first four all producing a clear second round. Scott was sixth to go and jumped another fast clear in a time of 35.69sec that no-one could beat.
“Hello Sanctos is just amazing, he really is,” said Scott. “Everyone was doubting if he could go well on Sunday after Friday – but I know him very well and he’s always on form.”
Grand Slam contender
France’s Roger Yves Bost came very close, crossing the finishing line in 35.94sec onboard Qoud’Coeur de la Loge, however it wasn’t quite enough to take the prestigious title. Behind Roger in third place was Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (SUI) and Casall Ask in 36.55sec.
Following his Grand Prix win, Scott is now in contention for the Rolex Grand Slam and its €1m bonus. The next leg isn’t until May 2015 in Aachen, followed by Spruce Meadows in September.