Richard Vogel and United Touch S Triumph in the Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters
The Dutch Masters concluded yesterday afternoon with the most anticipated class of the show: the Rolex Grand Prix, the first Major of the season in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. A total of 37 of the world’s top horse-and-rider combinations entered the Main Arena to compete for one of the most prestigious victories on the international calendar.
The starting list featured an exceptional lineup including several previous Major winners. Among them was Kent Farrington, winner of the Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva and therefore the live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam, alongside reigning World Champion Henrik von Eckermann, three-time Olympic gold medallist Ben Maher, and former World No.1 Scott Brash, who previously claimed the Grand Slam title.
Course designer Louis Konickx set a demanding and technical 14-obstacle track, designed to test accuracy, power, and careful time management.
The first rider to crack the course was Germany’s Sophie Hinners, the fifth to enter the arena, producing the first clear round of the competition. Shortly afterwards, Kent Farrington also jumped clear to keep his Grand Slam ambitions alive and secure a place in the jump-off. As the class progressed, four more riders—including European Champion Richard Vogel and Brazil’s Yuri Mansur—added their names to the list of clear rounds.
The home crowd had reason to celebrate thanks to flawless performances from Dutch riders Hessel Hoekstra and Bas Moerings, winner earlier in the week of the VDL Groep Prize, while leading international stars such as Martin Fuchs, Henrik von Eckermann, and Thibeau Spits confirmed their class by qualifying for the decisive jump-off.
In total, 11 combinations returned to the arena for the jump-off.
Among the early starters was Richard Vogel riding the exceptional stallion United Touch S, a horse known for his huge stride and remarkable power. The German rider immediately set the benchmark with a brilliant clear round in 39.42 seconds, putting significant pressure on the remaining competitors.
Despite impressive clear rounds from Pieter Devos, Martin Fuchs, Henrik von Eckermann, and Thibeau Spits, none managed to beat Vogel’s time. The German rider therefore secured victory in the Rolex Grand Prix of The Dutch Masters, claiming his second Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major.
Speaking after his victory, Vogel said:
“I am delighted with how everything turned out. United Touch S jumped incredibly in both rounds – he is such an amazing horse. The way he can jump oxers out of such tight turns is unique; I think he’s the only horse that can do it like that. He is incredibly athletic and I’m absolutely over the moon with this result.”
He added:
“All the Rolex Grand Slam Majors are among the best events in the world. The best riders and their best horses compete here, and they are highlights of our show calendar. To win here today is a privilege. Going into Aachen as the live contender means pressure, but it’s a nice pressure to have, and we will try to make a good plan to do our best there.”
With this victory, Vogel now heads to the next Major of the circuit, the prestigious CHIO Aachen, as the live contender, keeping alive his bid for the coveted Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.
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