Scott Brash and Nick Skelton are to go head-to-head for showjumping’s richest prize and you can watch them live on Horse & Country.
World’s best showjumping
Think of it as an early Christmas treat, because on 11 December we will bring you world class showjumping from Geneva CHI.
Now in its 56th year, this prestigious show – which is home to Rolex headquarters – has been voted the world’s best showjumping event for the eighth time.
This year looks to be better than ever, as the reigning Rolex Grand Slam champion takes on Olympic gold medallist Nick Skelton in the Grand Prix. So who will you be cheering on?
Making history
Scott became the first rider in history to win the €1M bonus last year, while Nick made history of his own when he became the first British showjumper and the second oldest athlete ever to win Olympic gold.
The 58-year-old is far from hanging up his boots, however, and has now got his eye on the Rolex Grand Slam, starting with a win in Geneva.
Nick won the Rolex Grand Prix in Aachen riding Big Star back in 2013, but the super-star stallion was then ruled out of competition with an injury. With the stallion now back on his best form, Nick believes he could challenge Scott to the title.
‘Virtually impossible challenge’
Scott already has one win under his belt after taking the Spruce Meadows CP International in Calgary in September for the second year running – something only one other rider has ever achieved. This year he was riding the 15-year-old mare Ursula XII, who will be also be competing in Geneva.
But can they maintain their winning streak? Even the cool and confident 31-year-old his doubts.
“Ursula is a world-class horse and I am extremely happy that she is finally getting the attention she deserves,” said Scott. “But I am also realistic. The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is such a difficult thing to win – after all we are talking about the three biggest Grands Prix in the world.
“It remains to be a virtually impossible challenge to win all three Majors in succession, even with the best horse in the world. Even today, I can still hardly believe my victory last year. But don’t understand me wrong: I will dedicate my entire attentions to the Rolex Grand Slam again and give it my best shot.”
Watch it live
It certainly won’t be a two-man race, as Scott and Nick will be up against the world’s very best, including last year’s winner, Steve Guerdat, and the current world number one Christian Ahlmann.
The Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping awards a €1M bonus to any rider who can win the Geneva, Aachen and Calgary Grands Prix in succession.