Shane Sweetnam Claims Rolex Grand Prix Glory at Falsterbo with First Five-Star Grand Prix Victory

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13/07/2026

Shane Sweetnam emerged as the standout performer of the 2026 Falsterbo Horse Show, securing the prestigious Rolex Grand Prix presented by Agria, the highlight of the Swedish event and the fourth Rolex Series leg of the season. Partnering James Kann Cruz, the Irish rider produced two flawless rounds before stopping the clock in a decisive 37.68 seconds to earn the biggest victory of his career.

Designed by renowned German course designer Frank Rothenberger, the demanding 1.60m track welcomed fifty of the world’s leading horse-and-rider combinations. Only fourteen managed to leave every rail intact in the opening round, earning a place in the second and decisive round, where penalties from both rounds were carried forward and the final time determined the standings.

Among those returning were World No. 2 Richard Vogel aboard Cloudio, Olympic champion Steve Guerdat with Albfuehren’s Iashin Sitte, Britain’s Ben Maher and Point Break, Mexico’s Luis Alejandro Plascencia O. with Huberth B, and Denmark’s Andreas Schou riding Napoli vh Nederassenthof.

Luis Alejandro Plascencia O. was the first rider back into the arena, producing another faultless performance in 44.98 seconds. Ben Maher soon took over the provisional lead with a clear round in 40.21 seconds before Andreas Schou raised the standard by stopping the clock in 39.98.

Fresh from Switzerland’s victory in Friday’s Nations Cup, Steve Guerdat looked poised to add another major title after delivering an outstanding clear in 38.68 seconds. His lead, however, lasted only moments, as Richard Vogel produced an equally precise performance with Cloudio, edging ahead by just five hundredths of a second with a time of 38.63.

Last to return, Shane Sweetnam knew exactly what was required. Riding with remarkable composure and precision, the Irishman attacked the course from the opening fence without compromising rhythm or accuracy. His second immaculate clear round in 37.68 seconds secured not only victory in Falsterbo but also his maiden CSIO5* Grand Prix win and his first Rolex Series title.

The final podium saw Shane Sweetnam finish ahead of Richard Vogel, while Steve Guerdat completed an outstanding week in Sweden by adding third place in the Grand Prix to Switzerland’s Nations Cup triumph.

Rolex Grand Prix presented by Agria