CSIO Spruce Meadows Rolex ‘Masters’ Tournament
The CSIO Spruce Meadows Rolex ‘Masters’ Tournament, staged on the outskirts of Calgary in Canada, is widely regarded as the leading equestrian event in North America. From 6–10 September, the world’s best horse and rider combinations will gather to contest the event’s premier competition, the CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex. Considered one of the sport’s toughest tests, it requires the highest levels of precision, harmony and bravery from competitors.
Rolex has been affiliated with the event for more than 30 years
Having been Presenting Sponsor since 1989 as part of a broader partnership with equestrianism that began in 1957 when pioneering British show jumper Pat Smythe became the sport’s first Testimonee. The brand’s contribution to excellence in equestrianism encourages modernization while respecting the traditions and elegance of the sport. At the pinnacle of this ideal is the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.
This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, the sport’s ultimate challenge and most coveted prize, which rewards the rider who wins consecutive Majors at three of the world’s four most historic horse shows. Great Britain’s Scott Brash made history in 2015 when he became the first and, to date, only rider to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. By taking victory in the CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex at Spruce Meadows, Brash lifted the prestigious trophy in front of thousands of jubilant equestrian fans.
Spruce Meadows is one of the most versatile event locations in the world.
Looking back on his remarkable victory, Brash said: “Words can’t really describe what it felt like to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. I remember experiencing such a mixture of emotions, we had finally achieved our target. In the months leading up to Spruce Meadows, we would wake up with the target to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, so to then actually achieve that goal, I had so many emotions – delight, relief, happiness. It was absolutely incredible and a single moment that I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Brash is among some of the most famous names in the sport to have won the prime competition of the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, the CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex. Five Rolex Testimonees have taken the title, including Eric Lamaze, who teamed up with his legendary stallion Hickstead to win in 2007 and 2011. To honour the incredible achievements of the horse, a commemorative life-size statue was unveiled at Spruce Meadows in 2012 and remains in a prime location at the venue.
Daniel Deusser, the most recent Rolex Testimonee to claim victory in the CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex, said of his 2022 win: “I am always impressed by the course at Spruce Meadows because you sometimes think it’s unjumpable, but then the horses grow when they get into the arena. Last year, I was so focused on jumping a clear in round one, and then on jumping a clear in round two. When I was in the jump-off, my focus was not on going fast, it was purely on jumping a third clear round, and it wasn’t until a couple of metres after the finish line, I looked up and realized I had actually won it.”
ROLEX GRAND PRIX WINNERS
2022 *Daniel Deusser (GER), Killer Queen VDM
2021 *Steve Guerdat (CHE), Venard de Cerisy
2019 *Beezie Madden (USA), Darry Lou
2018 *Sameh El Dahan (EGY), Suma’s Zorro
2017 *Philipp Weishaupt (GER), L.B. Convall
2016 *Scott Brash (GBR), Ursula XII
2015 *Scott Brash (GBR), Hello Sanctos
2014 *Ian Millar (CAN), Dixson
2013 Pieter Devos (BEL), Candy
2012 Olivier Philippaerts (BEL), H&M Cabrio Van De Heffinck
2011 Eric Lamaze (CAN), Hickstead
2010 Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED), Simon
2009 McLain Ward (USA), Sapphire
2008 Nick Skelton (GBR), Arko III
2007 Eric Lamaze (CAN), Hickstead
ABOUT ROLEX AND EQUESTRIANISM
With over a century of knowledge and expertise in watchmaking, Rolex is driven by tradition and craftsmanship, along with innovation and a passion for perfection. These values are reflected in the brand’s support of equestrianism. For 65 years, Rolex has cultivated an enduring legacy with this elite world and is now a major presence at play behind the finest riders, competitions and institutions.
The brand’s contribution to excellence in equestrianism is based on this heritage, encouraging modernization while respecting the elegance of this prestigious sport. Whether supporting leading athletes, the historic CHIO Aachen in Germany or the iconic Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, Rolex has built on a relationship that began in 1957, through an alliance with British show jumper Pat Smythe. A pioneer in equestrianism, she became the brand’s first equestrian Testimonee.
ABOUT ROLEX
AN UNRIVALLED REPUTATION FOR QUALITY AND EXPERTISE
Rolex is an integrated and independent Swiss watch manufacture. Headquartered in Geneva, the brand is recognized the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products – symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. The movements of its Oyster Perpetual and Cellini watches are certified by COSC, then tested in-house for their precision, performance and reliability. The Superlative Chronometer certification, symbolized by the green seal, confirms that each watch has successfully undergone tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria. These are periodically validated by an independent external organization.
The word “Perpetual” is inscribed on every Rolex Oyster watch. 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. In the course of its history, Rolex has registered over 500 patents. At its four sites in Switzerland, the brand designs, develops and produces the majority of its watch components, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Furthermore, the brand is actively involved in supporting the arts and culture, sport and exploration, as well as those who are devising solutions to preserve the planet.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
www.rolex.com
Press Release ROLEX EQUESTRIANISM
Contact:
Virginie Chevailler
Rolex SA
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