Geneva, Switzerland, 15 December 2019 – The 2019 Rolex Grand Prix at the Concours Hippique International de Genève (CHIG) has been won by Rolex Testimonee Martin Fuchs from Switzerland riding Clooney 51. Second place went to Rolex Testimonee Scott Brash (United Kingdom) riding Hello Senator and third place to Jérôme Guery (Belgium) riding Quel Homme de Hus.
The CHIG, with its long and distinguished equestrian heritage and continued passion for perfection, has recently been awarded the best show jumping competition by L’Année Hippique for the 10th time. The enduring relationship between Rolex and one of the most prestigious horse shows in the calendar, which began in 1996, reflects the Swiss watch manufacturer’s perpetual commitment to equestrianism.
An impressive course was set by world-renowned course designers Gérard Lachat of Switzerland and Louis Konickx of The Netherlands. This thrilling two stage competition saw 40 of the world’s leading riders contest for the Rolex Grand Prix, the highlight of this historic four-day event. The first round delivered 11 clears, including Rolex Testimonees Martin Fuchs, Steve Guerdat and Scott Brash, who all executed expert displays of precision leaving the fences standing.
The crowd were kept on the edge of their seats, with Fuchs, Guerdat and Brash producing lightning fast rounds. Fuchs stopped the clock in 38.60 seconds finishing just 0.05 seconds faster than second place Brash, crowning the Swiss rider the 2019 CHIG Rolex Grand Prix champion and becoming the new Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender.
Commenting on his win, Fuchs said: “It’s a huge huge win, my first Rolex Grand Prix victory and here in front of the home crowd makes it even more special.”
This Rolex Grand Prix win for Fuchs closed off a very successful weekend in Geneva for the Rolex family of Testimonees, after Kent Farrington’s Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final win on the Friday night. This is the sixth consecutive Rolex Testimonee win in the Top 10 Final.
In March 2020, The Dutch Masters will welcome Rolex Testimonee Martin Fuchs to the next Major in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. The equestrian world will eagerly watch to see if Fuchs can continue his journey as the live contender.
FINAL RESULTS OF THE 2019 ROLEX GRAND PRIX
- Martin Fuchs (SUI) riding Clooney 51
- Scott Brash (GBR) riding Hello Senator
- Jérôme Guery (BEL) riding Quel Homme de Hus
- Marlon Modolo Zanotelli (BRA) riding VDL Edgar M
- Steve Guerdat (SUI) riding Albführen’s Bianca
- Bryan Balsiger (SUI) riding Clouzot de Lassus
- Jos Verlooy (BEL) riding IGOR
- Pieter Devos (BEL) riding Espoir
- Darragh Kenny (IRL) riding Balou du Reventon
- Mark Mcauley (IRL) riding Vivaldi du Theil
ABOUT ROLEX
An unrivalled reputation for quality and expertise
Rolex, a Swiss watch manufacture headquartered in Geneva, is recognized the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products. Its Oyster Perpetual and Cellini watches, all certified as Superlative Chronometers for their precision, performance and reliability, are symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. The word “Perpetual” is inscribed on every Rolex Oyster. But more than just a word on a dial, it is a philosophy that embodies the company’s vision and values. Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of the company, instilled a notion of perpetual excellence that would drive the company forward. This led Rolex to pioneer the development of the wristwatch and numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism, invented in 1931. Rolex has registered over 500 patents in the course of its history. A truly integrated and independent manufacturing company, Rolex designs, develops and produces in-house the essential components of its watches, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Furthermore, Rolex is actively involved in supporting the arts and culture, sport and exploration, as well as those who are devising solutions to preserve the planet.
