Rolex Grand Slam: Who to look out for at the CSIO Spruce Meadows Masters 2021

The CSIO 5* Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ returns from 8-12 September 2021, and will play host to the second Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major of the year: the CP ‘International’, presented by Rolex, which will be staged in the impressive International Arena on the final day of the competition.
After winning the Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters in ‘s-Hertogenbosch in April – and in doing so becoming the live contender – Austrian Max Kühner has confirmed his attendance, alongside a stellar list of competitors, including five out of the current top 20-ranked riders in the world, and five Rolex Testimonees. As ever, the five-day competition promises to be a truly international affair, with 15 nations represented, with the hosts welcoming no fewer than 42 of its very own home-grown athletes.
Current world number three, Martin Fuchs travels to Calgary brimming with confidence, following Switzerland’s win in the team jumping competition at the European Championships, which he and his gelding, Leone Jei played a crucial role in. The 29-year-old will be accompanied at Spruce Meadows by his talented 10-year-old gelding, Conner Jei, winner of the Rolex Grand Prix at the Jumping International de Dinard.
British rider Scott Brash returns to Spruce Meadows, where he was crowned the first ever Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping champion in 2015 with his legendary gelding, Hello Sanctos. The current world number four brings Hello Vincent to Calgary, who he finished a very credible fourth with in the Rolex Grand Prix at Knokke Hippique in June.
Fuchs’ compatriot and the current world number 10-ranked rider, Steve Guerdat, has also added the Team European champion accolade to his impressive list of titles. The three-time World Cup champion (2015, 2016, 2019) will compete at Spruce Meadows with his dependable 12-year-old gelding, Venard De Cerisy, who he took to this year’s Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where the duo finished fifth in the Team competition.
Rio 2016 Olympic Team silver medallist, Kent Farrington leads the charge of athletes from the United States, and in a clear demonstration of intent, brings seven horses with him to Spruce Meadows. Of note, the current world number 13 will compete with his 15-year-old mare, Gazelle, 14-year-old gelding, Creedance, and nine-year-old hot prospect, Orafina.
Rolex Testimonee and home favourite, Eric Lamaze, is one of 42 athletes who will be flying the flag for Canada. Currently ranked number 120 in the world, Lamaze will be joined by his 18-year-old mare, Fine Lady 5, who helped him clinch an Individual bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Games, 12-year-old stallion, Dieu Merci van T & L, and 13-year-old Kino.
Other accomplished Canadian riders who are set to compete, include Tiffany Foster, Kara Chad, Mario Deslauriers and Erynn Ballard.
Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender and current world number 20, Max Kühner, is the competition’s sole representative from Austria. Kühner brings Eic Coriolis des Isles to Spruce Meadows, a nine-year-old French stallion, who he will partner in the CP ‘International’, presented by Rolex, the next stage of his Rolex Grand Slam journey.
2019’s CP ‘International’, presented by Rolex champion, Beezie Madden is part of the US contingent, and travels with her 15-year-old La Silla-bred stallion, Breitling LS. Madden’s compatriot, four-time Olympic Team medallist, McLain Ward, travels to Calgary off the back of a Tokyo 2020 silver medal, and will be hoping for more success at Spruce Meadows with Kasper van het Hellehof and HH Azur.
No stranger to Spruce Meadows, having competed at the ‘Masters’ in 2019, a young rider to note is 23-year-old Belgian, Zoé Conter, who is confirmed to ride with her 12-year-old stallion, Davidoff De Lassus and 12-year-old mare, Dolitaire Chavannaise in the week’s 5* classes.

www.rolexgrandslam.com | photo: Rolex Grand Slam / Ashley Neuhof
HSJ