’s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands, 13 March 2022 – Rolex Testimonee Daniel Deusser has claimed the first equestrian Major of 2022, winning the prestigious Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters. In doing so he also claimed an additional bonus for non-consecutive Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping wins, following his victory at CHIO Aachen last year. The German champion’s outstanding performance riding his trusted partner Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z once again makes him the live contender for the coveted Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.
Daniel Duesser (GER) riding Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z in The Rolex Grand Prix
The world’s elite horse and rider combinations gathered at ’s-Hertogenbosch for The Dutch Masters Indoor Brabant Horse Show, an event steeped in history and prestige of which Rolex has been the Main Sponsor since 2014. The feature event of the show, the Rolex Grand Prix, showcased the harmony between the winning horse and rider in a display of accuracy, discipline and trust, qualities that resonate with Rolex’s own commitment to perpetual excellence, in its watchmaking and all other endeavours.
A total of 12 horse and rider combinations made it through to the second round of Louis Konickx’s challenging course. Second to go in the jump- off, home favourite Harrie Smolders, set the pace with an impressive gallop down to the final Rolex oxer to put the pressure on those to come. At the half-way stage it was a Dutch one-two, with Rolex Grand Prix debutante, Jack Ansems in second place. However Deusser produced a foot-perfect performance to cut 0.13 seconds off Smolders’ time and take the lead.
Those who followed were unable to match Deusser’s pace and precision. Fellow Testimonee, Scott Brash, the only rider to have claimed the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, put in a determined effort to beat Deusser’s time, but cruelly collected four-faults at the very last fence to finish in eventual seventh place.
Commenting on his win, Deusser said:
“Tobago did a fantastic job today, he was really excited to go to the jump-off, he is a fantastic horse, he has done this a couple of times before and now he has done it again. Rolex has created a fantastic series here [the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping], which makes our sport really interesting and gives it a little bit something extra. I’m very happy that it has worked out and I have won two out of the four Majors, and now I go to Aachen as the new live contender, which is something very special. I will now work towards Aachen and make sure my horses are in the best shape.”
Equestrian fans will now eagerly anticipate the next Major at CHIO Aachen in July. Deusser will attempt to emulate his stunning performance this weekend and continue his quest for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, one of the sport’s most demanding challenges and sought-after prizes that rewards any rider who wins three consecutive Majors.
