SHOWJUMPING'S ELITE TO CONTEST ROLEX GRAND PRIX IN WINDSOR CASTLE'S PRIVATE GROUNDS
Tuesday 07 May 2019
From 8–12 May, more than 55,000 spectators will enter Windsor Castle’s stunning private grounds - an opportunity available to the public just once a year - to witness five days of spectacular equestrian competition. CHI Royal Windsor Horse Show will climax on the Sunday when a world-class line-up of horse and rider combinations compete for the coveted Rolex Grand Prix title.
Launched in 1943, the show’s unwavering commitment to tradition and excellence mirrors Rolex’s own values, in its watchmaking and all other activities. Over the years, the partnership between Rolex and Royal Windsor has continued to grow. The support provided by Rolex as Official Partner has cemented the event’s elite status on the international equestrian calendar, with the showjumping element upgraded to five-star status in 2017.
Rolex has cultivated an enduring relationship with equestrianism for more than 60 years, supporting the finest riders and competitions in a perpetual process of renewal and constant improvement. The brand’s presence at the pinnacle of the sport is highlighted by its support for equestrianism’s most demanding competition, the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping, and the most prestigious Grands Prix around the world that require of competitors the highest levels of passion, precision and excellence. The Rolex Grand Prix at Royal Windsor is no exception, with world-renowned course designer Bob Ellis expected to again provide an exacting challenge for all participants.
Triumphant here in 2018, and having just won his third FEI Jumping World CupTM Final, Steve Guerdat of Switzerland will be returning to the show as the World No. 1. Guerdat, a Rolex Testimonee, said: “I have always loved competing at Royal Windsor, and last year was the first five-star competition Bianca and I won together, making it even more special, so I am really looking forward to returning to the show.”
USA’s Kent Farrington, one of the boldest riders on the circuit and winner of the Royal Windsor Grand Prix in 2016 and 2017, will be determined to challenge his fellow Testimonee for top honours. Joining them will be Rolex Testimonee Scott Brash, the only rider to date to claim the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping title, winning the Grand Prix at three consecutive Majors. The British rider is sure to be a formidable opponent, as he feeds off the passionate support of his home crowd.
A further challenge will come from Ireland’s Bertram Allen, Rolex’s youngest Testimonee and a member of the New Guard, who will be looking to improve his seventh-place position from last year. Canada’s Eric Lamaze will also be in contention, along with the 2018 FEI World Equestrian GamesTM individual silver medallist, Switzerland's Martin Fuchs and 2016 Olympic team gold medallist, Kevin Staut of France, all of whom are members of the Rolex family of Testimonees.
ABOUT ROLEX
An unrivalled reputation for quality and expertise
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.
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14kvaj7pl3106.jpg "Jonathan Egmore and Mollie Rose Smith are winners in the Equissage Pulse British Novice Second Rounds.")
11dtw0hmsttk0.jpg "NAF Five Star Bronze and Silver League Qualifiers get underway at Speetley Equestrian Centre")
