Scott Brash’s fabulous form continued with a triumph in the prestigious €176,000 (£154,500) Rolex IJRC top 10 final on Friday (12 December).

The contest pits the world’s highest ranked riders in an intense two-round showdown, in which world number two Scott and Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham’s nimble and quick-footed mare Hello Chadora Lady took a 0.15sc victory.

A tight turn back to the third fence drew a gasp from the crowd and propelled them to an advantage that the USA’s Kent Farrington and Toulayna could not quite catch.

“I was super happy with Chadora; she was incredible,” Scott told Grand Prix TV, adding that to go clear, and leave the ring knowing he had at least secured second place, was a “great feeling”.

Scott, who first won this class with Hello Sanctos 11 years ago, said there was one slight “lost in translation” moment between he and the Chacco-Blue 12-year-old.

“She’s so eager to get to the fence, all I try to do with her is help her understand where we’re going,” he said. “She got home good and it probably worked out as it then wasn’t all or nothing for Kent, and he did a very good round that was just slower. So I’m very happy.”

Scott paid tribute to his “incredible” long-term owners Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham, adding that he is “so lucky, not just [their] owning horses but in my life”.

Donald Whitaker opened proceedings with a victory for the Brits in the show’s first major jump-off class, the 1.60m Trophée de Genève, cruising home with 1.58sec in hand with his brilliant European team silver medal-winning ride Millfield Collette.

“It was my first time here, so to come in the first day like that and win the big class was a bit of a dream come true. To get here was a privilege anyway, so to do that felt like 100% success,” Donald said.

“Winning the Nations Cups at Spruce Meadows and Rotterdam and [the final] at Barcelona has made it an unbelievable year and topping it off by coming here was the icing on the cake.”

Scott had two down in the first round of the Rolex grand prix, in which Kent claimed the €400,000 (£350,000) spoils with a phenomenal round on the 11-year-old mare Greya.

He overtook the early lead of Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam and the ground-eating 12-year-old grey gelding James Kann Cruise to win by 1.35sec.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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High-flying British showjumper Harry Charles’ groom Georgia Ellwood has been part of the hugely successful Heathcroft Farm team for four years. As show groom, she has established herself as a key part of Harry’s success at some of the biggest shows on the international circuit, travelling to the likes of the Tokyo Olympics, the Rolex Majors, European and World Championships, and World Cups.

Georgia, who was recognised at last month’s British Showjumping awards as groom of the year, took some time out of her busy schedule to chat about her role looking after nine horses in Harry’s string.

“They are all different ages and have different levels of experience,” Georgia explains of her charges. “Romeo 88 and Balou Du Reventon are our older and more experienced horses. Balou du Reventon is an absolute gem – he is the yard’s favourite at the moment. He is a stallion but does not act so at all – he is so sweet. We call him the old grandpa of the yard.

“On the other hand, Romeo 88 is more of a handful than Balou. He is quite grumpy but can also be very affectionate at the same time. He wants the attention, then once he has it he changes his mind.”

According to Georgia, one of her favourite younger horses is rising star Sherlock, a Belgium-bred 10-year-old son of Bisquet Balou VD Mispelaere.

“He is the most lovable little thing that you could ever come across,” she reveals. “He is cheeky and very sweet, and he gives everything when he is in the ring which is so nice to see. I am sure that Harry would agree with me that he is a little trooper.”

She describes Malcolm Pyrah’s home-bred eight-year-old Dunroe Quality, known at home as Bandit, as “very special”.

“He is incredibly scopey – he is like a spring,” she says. “He is very cool but comes with some challenges. He loves to test me on the ground, but he becomes a different horse when Harry rides him. He is one of the best young horses that I have ever seen. I am hoping that in the future he will continue to develop, and I really think he will be something very special to the sport of showjumping.

“All the horses have different characteristics; you definitely have to spend some one-on-one time with them to get to know them.”

Georgia Ellwood: ‘A lovely yard to be a part of’

Georgia describes being part of Harry Charles’s hugely successful team, based at Heathcroft Farm in Hampshire, as “truly exciting”.

“At Heathcroft Farm we are part of the family, not just a groom,” she says. “Peter Charles trusts us and that means a lot to us. He is extremely involved in the yard but at the same time, he likes us to have our independence. It is a lovely yard to be a part of. The family is amazing to us, which helps us love our jobs. They are just so nice to be around.”

During her time as Harry Charles’ groom, Georgia has accompanied the world’s leading under-25 rider to some of the biggest competitions in the world, including flying the British flag at the Rolex Majors, Tokyo Olympics, European and World Championships, Nations Cups and World Cups.

“I have noticed a significant difference in his riding,” she says. “He is such a chilled person to be around. At the same time, when he is at the bigger shows, he wants to do well and so he sometimes places pressure on himself. I try to remain calm and quiet to help him out.

“Harry is a perfectionist and after working here it is clear to me how hard he works. He is one of the hardest-working riders that I have ever seen. He wants it so much.”

Georgia describes being recognised by British Showjumping as groom of the year as “amazing”.

“It was great to be recognised – we all put in so much hard work and the hours are long, so having that recognition meant the world to me,” she says.

“When I first started in the sport, there was a division between the riders and grooms. Whenever a rider won a class, the spotlight was placed on the rider, the horse, and the owner. But in the past year or two, the grooms have come to be recognised. This is great and makes a difference.

“We work so hard behind the scenes,” she adds. “There are so many people in the teams behind each of the riders and their horses, including trainers, farriers, vets, and business managers, and everyone’s role is vital, as we work in a team sport.”

Georgia has always been interested in horses and competed through her childhood.

“As I got older, I began to recognise that I was probably not as good as some of the other young riders, so I decided to switch to grooming and I got a job when I was 15 mucking out stables,” she says. “It escalated quite quickly for me to my first full-time job as a show groom.

“I enjoyed the fact that I was still part of a team and got to ride,” she adds. “Being around a rider who competes at the top shows definitely gives you a buzz. My advice for the younger generation is that being a groom is hard work and it is tiring. But when something clicks and goes right, it is just an unimaginable feeling. Just keep working hard and the results will show.”

Life as Harry Charles’ groom: ‘I was immensely proud’

The best parts of the job, says Georgia, are winning, and working with and learning about new horses, “watching them develop”.

“When they get older and they jump in their first grand prix, it’s a lovely feeling,” she says. “I definitely feel proud to be part of this.

“I really enjoy attending the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping Majors as they are so well organised,” adds Georgia. “They have not just thought of the riders, but they also focus on the wellbeing of the horses. As a groom, this is so important for us. The grooms are treated and viewed the same way as riders, and that is one of the nicest things. The atmosphere at the Majors is incredible. CHIO Aachen is one of my favourite shows to attend. The Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping Majors are definitely some of the best shows in the world.”

Georgia underlines the “significant effect” the Rolex Grand Slam has had on the sport.

“It has opened doors for young riders and grooms, and provided access to different types of venues,” she says of the “amazing” events, which have “raised the level” of the sport.

“They are so well organised and hosted in great locations. The Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping Majors have had a significant impact on the grooms – they have really recognised us and enabled us to have a say on things.”

Looking back on the past few years, Georgia says she has so many proud memories, but Harry’s bronze medal-winning performance at last year’s world showjumping championships stands out.

“Harry jumped an amazing clear round on the final day to secure the medal,” remembers Georgia. “Another highlight was the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on the first day when Harry jumped clear. I was immensely proud.”

Georgia describes the grooms’ community as “extremely close”.

“We are a big friendship group,” she says. “We see each other week in and week out so you form great friendships. It is a nice community of people.

“It is a very supportive atmosphere as well – if you need help or are struggling, someone will come and help you,” she adds. “There is not a bad person in the grooming community. We are all very lucky that we have one another and that we support each other as it can get slightly overwhelming at some points.”

With thanks to Rolex Grand Slam.

You might also be interested in:

Why ‘old school and simple’ works best for John Whitaker’s groom Kerry Finch

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Groom David Honnet shares his travelling tips and reveals Scott Brash’s next superstar

‘I do not view this as a job, it’s a way of life and I love it’: Behind the scenes with Joe Stockdale’s groom Charlotte Attwell

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While Adam Cromarty prefers to ad-lib his commentary, he made an exception for the very sad news he had to share while working at Spruce Meadows Masters

Every year as the outdoor season draws to a close, I head to Canada for the always memorable Spruce Meadows Masters tournament, the final Major of the summer.

I still look back with excitement when I recall announcing Scott Brash as the winner of the Rolex Grand Slam in 2015, a day in history which no other rider has yet managed to replicate.

The year before that saw sunshine turn to snow, and over 200 people with true Calgarian spirit hand-shovelled over 1ft in snow off the entire international ring and helped restore essential services to allow the competition to continue.

This year brought a mixture of memories and emotions as seven of the world’s top-10 riders rode through the iconic clock tower. It was on the second day that we heard the heartbreaking news that Her Majesty The Queen had died.

Pageantry is a key element of the Masters with the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and 50 members of the Household Cavalry band all in attendance. Very quickly, the Spruce Meadows team had to help facilitate the immediate return trip of these serving soldiers who now had pressing ceremonial duties to perform.

Whether I am on television or commentating, I rarely script anything. I find ad-libbing provides a much more natural delivery. However, when it came to breaking the news of The Queen’s death, I made an exception. As competition paused, it was the most difficult few paragraphs I have ever had to deliver.

A commonwealth stadium fell silent, and although my commentary position is far from the stands, I was told of the tears and hugs shared by an audience who appreciated Her Majesty as a monarch, but also as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who shared their love of the horse.

The Queen has always had a place in the hearts of those at Spruce Meadows. Her visit there in 1990 is still widely talked about with much fondness. The venue co-founder, Marg Southern, was Her Majesty’s lady-in-waiting, and the Queen Elizabeth II Cup still features as a focal point in the summer series.

“What our sport is all about”

A standout campaign grew to a climax for Britain’s Matt Sampson. After grafting his way through the national grades, it’s fantastic to see his talent and ambitions realised. Just two years ago, he was struggling to get into shows in Europe. Since June, he has won 20 FEI competitions; he and his partner Kara Chad work tremendously hard and I couldn’t be happier for them.

The CP International grand prix, won this year by Daniel Deusser and Killer Queen VDM, is the toughest competition in the world. The athletes know what to expect and if you’re a showjumping purist, then it has all the ingredients to make your taste buds tingle. It’s also the richest day in our sport with $3m on offer, with Rolex Grand Slam bonuses on top.

The time allowed is always a factor, and when added with the unique fence material, mostly purchased from Olympics and championships, and the course design by Leopoldo Palacios, you better walk the track twice and make sure you’ve had a good breakfast!

After two rounds, we were left with three double clears. Coming into the final round, a jump-off against the clock, I couldn’t resist saying, “It’s time to play, who wants to be a millionaire!” It’s cheesy, but unless Jeremy Clarkson leaves the ITV show and a few others step aside, it’s the only time I’ll get to use that line.

I mentioned when Daniel entered the ring, “all” he had to do was jump clear – no pressure. As he came down to the last, a delicate vertical, I whispered to a sold-out stadium, “Jump this for a million dollars,” and luckily, he did.

This horsemanship, drama and excitement is what our sport is all about.

• This exclusive column is also available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 29 September

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A new venue has joined the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping — and an additional €1 million bonus is also up for grabs.

Indoor Brabant, at ‘s-Hertogenbosh in The Netherlands, will be the fourth location in the 2018 series.

It joins CHIO Aachen in Germany, CSIO Spruce Meadows Masters in Canada and CHI Geneva in Switzerland.

“Rolex has already done so much for our sport and our long-term partnership with the brand is a privilege on its own,” said president of Indoor Brabant and dressage star Anky van Grunsven.

“However, to now become part of the Rolex Grand Slam, announced in the 50th anniversary year of Indoor Brabant, is a very special gift for us, the show organisers.”

Regardless of the calendar year, the grand slam cycle begins for each rider with his or her first victory in the series.

Scott Brash (pictured, top) is so far the only rider to have won the title, which he took in 2015. Anyone who replicated his achievement will receive the same €1 million bonus, on top of the individual prize money for each show. A new additional €1 million bonus has also been added for any rider who manages to win a fourth major in succession.

Other prizes include a bonus of €500,000 for any rider who wins two successive grands prix of the grand slam series in any order. Additionally, a rider who wins two grands prix within a period of four successive majors will receive a bonus of €250,000.

The current “live” contender for the grand slam title is Brazil’s Pedro Veniss, who was victorious at Geneva in December and will travel to Aachen in July for the next leg of the series.

Related articles…

Related articles:

• Scott Brash and Hello Sanctos make history
• Scott Brash claims showjumping’s richest prize
• Hello Sanctos returns to competition after injury

“What has always united all the majors is the passion for the sport, the love for horses and a long tradition of the highest standard,” said Linda Southern-Heathcott, president of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping’s steering committee.

“Therefore, Indoor Brabant is a perfect addition to the Rolex Grand Slam. It offers an outstanding infrastructure, has had a long history and attracts the best riders in the world every year.”

Dutch showjumper and reigning World and European champion Jeroen Dubbledam welcomed the news.

““The two best outdoor and the two best indoor shows in the world are now combined with each other, and will allow the riders to prepare our horses strategically for the Rolex Grand Slam campaign,” he said.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Olympic gold medal-winners Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro are heading stateside once again, this time to compete in New York.

The combination thrilled US fans earlier this year, taking the Reem Acra FEI World Cup title in Las Vegas in April.

At the show in April the combination scored 94.196%, just short of their own world record of 94.3%.

And Valegro enjoyed the US reception.

“I never knew how Valegro was going to cope with the clapping, but he loved the American crowd — every time they clapped, it was like he was saying ‘Woohoo, I did something good.’,” said Charlotte at the time.

Now the pair will be crossing the pond again, this time for the Rolex Central Park Horse Show (25-26 September).

The European, Olympic and world champions will be taking part in the US Open dressage grand prix on Friday 25 September, and then contest the US Open $75,000 dressage freestyle the following day.

US fans will be on the edges of their seats to see if the World’s number one combination can break their own records.

“We are so excited and fortunate to be working with Charlotte, Carl and Valegro at the inaugural US Open dressage event. They are truly one of the great combinations in dressage history,” said Mark Bellissimo, of International Equestrian Group, LLC (IEG).

Charlotte’s agent, Abby Newell, added: “Mark and International Equestrian Group have been an absolute pleasure to work with on securing Charlotte and Valegro. Both Carl and Charlotte are very aware of how visionary Mark has been in the US and didn’t hesitate for a moment when he invited Valegro to take part in the Rolex Central Park Horse Show. Particularly, given the event is in such a stunning and high profile location, we are all very much looking forward to the show and exploring more ideas on working together in the future.”

There are only 1,000 tickets available for the event and they are anticipated to sell out.

For more information and to buy tickets visit: http://bit.ly/1AV2imv.

Charlotte and Valegro will be in action defending their titles at next week’s FEI European Dressage Championships, don’t miss all the coverage with H&H.

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Christian Ahlmann and the 12-year-old stallion Codex One landed Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix in Aachen – one of the toughest competitions in the sport. In doing so, the German rider became the new contender for the Rolex Grand Slam and a potential 1m euro bonus.

“Normally it’s better to ride last, but not today,” said Christian, 39, who forced his four jump-off rivals into making mistakes from first draw, thus taking victory with the only treble clear.

“This is a dream come true for me and for sure, I will be at the Spruce Meadows Masters [the next leg of the Rolex Grand Slam] in September.”

The runner-up was Kent Farrington (USA) with the 12-year-old Dutch-bred gelding Voyeur, who recorded the fastest time but with a very expensive pole falling at the final fence.

Third went to Marcus Ehning and Plot Blue, with Daniel Deusser (Cornet D’Amour) fourth, with USA rider Lauren Hough fifth with two down in the final round on Ohlala.

British contenders Ben Maher (Cella) and Scott Brash (Hello Sanctos) both lost their chances with four and eight faults respectively in round one.

Katrin Eckermann and Firth Of Lorne suffered a heavy fall at the water – for the second time this week – and we’ll bring you news of their wellbeing as soon as we have it.

Don’t miss the full report from the CHIO Aachen in next week’s issue of Horse & Hound (out Thursday 24 July).

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Wellington, Florida, has withdrawn its bid to host the 2018 World Equestrian Games (WEG) due to a sponsor conflict.

The main sponsor of Wellington is Rolex, which agreed a 10-year deal in December 2013. A $1million (£610,000) Rolex bonus was dropped earlier this year due to conflicting shows.

Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP), which put forward the bid on behalf of the centre, met with the FEI before announcing its withdrawal.

Mark Bellissimo of ESP said: “While I believe we had a very strong technical bid, and I am confident we could have run a exciting, unique and successful WEG, the marketing conditions would have precluded us from honouring our commitments to a valued sponsor.”

Only 2 candidates remain in the bidding process — Bromont in Quebec and Lexington in Kentucky, which hosted WEG in 2010.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (3 April 2014)

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Rolex has confirmed it will continue as title sponsor and timekeeper of the Kentucky three-day event.

It follows uncertainty about the company’s role, after it was ousted as the FEI’s main sponsor by rival watchmaker Longines.

The agreement meant Rolex could no longer sponsor the FEI world jumping rankings.

But last week the US Equestrian Federation (USEF) said Rolex would remain its “official timepiece” and title sponsor of Kentucky and the USEF showjumping rankings.

“Kentucky is synonymous with Rolex,” said John Long of USEF.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (7 February 2013)

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Hickstead has confirmed that Britain’s Nations Cup leg will go ahead, following reassurances from the series’ new sponsor that it will receive enough money.

In November, horse sport’s global governing body the FEI announced a new-look Nations Cup series, with a four-year sponsorship package worth £13.4million from the Saudi Equestrian Fund.

As Europe’s Nations Cup shows are obliged to offer prize-funds totalling £168,000, Hickstead told H&H that it might not be able to afford to put on the class as it faced a shortfall of around £150,000.

But a new agreement between the FEI and luxury watchmaker Longines has put paid to those doubts.

The deal — the largest struck by the federation — makes Longines the FEI’s “top partner” and official timekeeper, pushing out long-term sponsor Rolex.

An FEI spokesman told H&H that Nations Cups organisers would “benefit substantially” from the Longines partnership.

Hickstead director Edward Bunn confirmed that “increased funding” from Longines and the FEI meant they had been able to preserve the Nations Cup.

The Longines-FEI partnership is worth a nine-figure sum over 10 years.

It means that the FEI Nations Cup, FEI World Cup jumping series, the World Equestrian Games, endurance World Championships and the world rankings will all run under the Longines name.

Rolex, which was title sponsor of the World Cup and the rankings, has been edged out.

In a rather terse statement, Rolex said it was “disappointed”, but would continue to be involved with horse sport.

But H&H has learnt that the FEI’s deal with Longines has thrown up certain anomalies.

Although Rolex can still sponsor individual FEI-sanctioned events — such as the Rolex Kentucky Horse Trials — it was not clear whether it could still be the event’s official timekeeper.

For FEI-named series, there will be “a short transitional period” to phase out other sponsors. At the end of that period, “no events with sponsors in the same brand sector as Longines can be part of the series”.

This appeared to come as a surprise to Aachen; the showground has a long relationship with Rolex.

“Aachen has a long-term contract with Rolex and it is clear that Rolex will have all timekeeping rights here,” said a spokesman.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (24 January 2013)

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William Fox-Pitt needs to win next year’s Badminton Horse Trials to clinch the Rolex Grand Slam, following the cancellation of this year’s event, Rolex has announced today.

It had been unclear whether the third-leg of the Grand Slam would be Burghley this autumn (30 August-2 September) or Badminton 2013, but Rolex has now confirmed that William must wait a further 12 months to see if he can claim the £215,000 ($350,000) bonus prize.

The roll-over also means that William could be challenged for the Grand Slam at the same event if any other rider consecutively wins this year’s Burghley and the 2013 Rolex Kentucky.

The Rolex Grand Slam is on offer to any rider who wins in succession the three premiere CCI**** events – the US’s Rolex Kentucky, the UK’s Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials and Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials.

The three events must be won in succession, but don’t have to be won on the same horse or in a calendar year.

William won at Burghley in 2011 and Kentucky last weekend.

The Grand Slam has only been won once – by Pippa Funnell in 2003, after she won Badminton, Kentucky and Burghley in one amazing year.

In 2006 Andrew Hoy almost did it when he won Kentucky and Badminton in the spring and led going into the show jumping at Burghley, but faults there dropped him to second.

And Oliver Townend got tantalisingly close in 2010, dodging the Icelandic ash cloud to get to Kentucky, only to suffer a crashing fall with Ashdale Cruise Master.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Itot (Cevo Itot Du Château) has recovered well from his slight injury and we have both been very busy over the last couple of months on the Global Champions Tour (GCT). We have competed in Cannes, which I won with Itot, and was the only rider with three clear rounds, Monte Carlo, Estoril and Chantilly, where I came third and was beaten by two ladies – Laura Kraut and Pénélope Leprevost. He really feels back to his normal self, which is grea,t and he’s been jumping extremely well.

I went to the Formula One Grand Prix in Monaco where we stayed with some friends and had a spectacular view as the cars came out of the tunnel. It was great to see fellow Aussie, Mark Webber, win, although it was disappointing that the National Anthem was played a day late and not in Hamburg!

After the GCT round in Turin, I went to Wiesbaden where I had a really good show. On the first day I was second with Socrates (Cevo Socrates), and my young horse, Kisby (8-y-o), was second in the young horses. The following day I won the final of the youngster tour and Socrates was fourth in one of the other classes. Zorro went clear in the Grand Prix, but he went a little bit green in the jump off and he had a couple down, which was a shame.

Younger horses make progress

I’ve had time to concentrate on some of my younger horses during May and June while Itot had some time off. Kisby has stood out from the rest and been very impressive; she’s only had one fence down during four shows, and she has been placed in every class – I’m very happy with her. I don’t know if she’ll ever be as good as Itot, but she’ll definitely be a very good second horse. We’ve clicked really fast and really seem to suit each other.

I also have a new 8-year-old mare called Ciske Van Overis, who jumped in the GCT with Guy Williams, and I think she could be a very interesting new horse for me. I jumped her in Cannes and I also took her to a small three star show in San Remo, so all-in-all a great new addition to the team.

The team behind the scenes

Getting my horses to and from shows and deciding which ones need to go to where is very much down to Jan [Tops] and I, and it can be quite an episode!

We’ve got a permanent full-time vet based in Holland, who checks all of the horses before they travel on to shows, or before they travel back to Stal Tops in Holland. We also have an osteopath, but he is required only when there is an urgent need for him, and he’s based in Switzerland.

I have one groom, who is always with Itot, and another groom who travels around and does bit and pieces with the rest of the horses. Finally, I have a third groom based at Stal Tops, who looks after my other horses while I am away travelling, which is a lot of the time!

I’ve been concentrating on not doing to much and have been resting whenever possible over the last couple of months. The aim has been to focus on the big competitions, but to get results we have to pay special attention to the horses, particularly their hydration levels in the recent heat. It’s a balancing act of not doing too much, but enough!

It’s very important for me to get enough good results to stay in the top-10 of the Rolex Rankings during the month of August as that’s when the decisions are made with regards to pre-qualifications for the Rolex FEI World Cup Series, so my focus, apart from on the WEG, is going to be very much on that.

Edwina Alexander, Olympic and World Equestrian Games Jumper, is a friend of Rolex. Edwina will be competing at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

The Australian Equestrian Federation have confirmed that I am on the team for the WEG, and I can take a second horse with me if I have another one qualified. But I’m pretty set up for WEG with Itot (Cevo Itot Du Château) and I don’t really want to take another horse if it’s not 100% ready.

I recently sold four of my horses, including two that had qualified for WEG. On the back of those sales I have just received a new 8-year-old, Ciske Van Overis, that has already qualified; she was 7th in the Grand Prix in Hamburg with Guy Williams, and 5th with me in La Coruña. I’m not planning to take her to WEG, but she will be a useful back-up while Itot is being prepared.

Itot will have three more shows after Aachen — Chantilly, Valkenswaard and Rio de Janeiro — and then he will have a month’s break. He feels in really great shape and has been jumping well.

Overall, I’m looking forward to going to WEG and I fully appreciate how tough a competition it is. I personally think that WEG is the most difficult championship that we have in comparison to The Olympics as I feel that it takes a lot more out of the horse.

Looking back at WEG 2006

I have some fond memories of the last World Equestrian Games in Aachen, including finishing in the top four. My goal then was to get into the top 25, so I thought I did pretty wellt. My federation is a very strong supporter of whichever programme and direction I choose, but at the same time I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself. Everyone has their aim and their goal, so I’ll try to do my best this year and my goal is to finish in the top four again.

It’s very important to prepare a good programme for your horse afterwards as the championships take a lot out of them; they have to be very fit as we found out after the last WEG in Aachen.

This year’s WEG is being held in the USA for the first time, but my horses are used to travelling and are incredibly fit, so I don’t see this being a problem. They will arrive in Kentucky a week before the competition starts, which is plenty of time for them to acclimatise. Funnily enough goign to Kentucky will actually involve less travelling time than if they were to go to somewhere like Portugal, within Europe.

Team verses the individual

I think that the Australia team for WEG is absolutely our strongest ever; we have two other strong riders — Chris Chugg and James Patterson Robinson — with the fourth partnership being selected following competitions in Hachenburg and Paderborn.

I would like to think that realistically we could finish in the first five, and of course a medal would be fantastic. However, for me it is difficult to think of WEG as a team competition; I have to focus on myself. I know that might sound a little bit selfish but that’s how it is, and how it’s been since I’ve been competing in Europe, especially over the last five or six years.

Edwina Alexander, Olympic and World Equestrian Games Jumper, is a friend of Rolex. Edwina will be competing at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

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The past month has been a real rollercoaster with quite a few shows and the Rolex FEI World Cup Final. Overall, I’m feeling pretty good in myself and I’m trying to get as much rest as possible, but not doing too much isn’t the easiest thing in the world at the moment!

I was up at 4am last Wednesday morning to go to Copenhagen for a photo shoot and got back home at about 1am the following morning. I was then up very early to jump five horses ahead of the four-day show in Mannheim, so I haven’t had as much rest as I would have hoped for!

Itot (Cevo Itot Du Château)

Itot was a completely different horse when he arrived in Geneva for the Rolex Final compared to how he was in ‘s-Hertogenbosch and Paris. I’m not quite sure what happened but his back was causing him a lot of discomfort; maybe he rolled in his box, but I really didn’t know what the problem was at the time.

In hindsight I shouldn’t have jumped Itot on the second day of the Final, and I was thinking that before I went into the ring; sometimes you should trust your instincts. After the round my osteopath took a look and said that one of his joints was a little bit out, so it was just a case of putting that back in. Thankfully, after one week of just walking, being on the lunge and some massage, he’s much better. I did some small jumps with him this morning and he’s feeling like his old self again.

Rolex FEI World Cup Final

The Rolex FEI World Cup Final was a fantastic experience and in my opinion it’s one of the most beautiful indoor shows in the world. I stayed at a fantastic hotel which was right opposite the showground, which was lovely and also extremely convenient when I needed to practice or get to my classes!

I was typically doing some light riding every morning between 7 – 8.00am to get the horses loose and relaxed, and I think I rode once at lunchtime as the classes weren’t until the evening. Outside of that I watched a little bit of the other classes, did a bit of reading and went for a few walks to try and stay as relaxed as I possibly could.

I was obviously disappointed with my result in the Rolex FEI World Cup, but Socrates’ (Cevo Socrates) performance and second place in the Grand Prix was a great consolation; he always seems to pull something out when it matters.

What’s next…?

This weekend I’m taking out four horses, including one that I’ve only ridden once and don’t know at all! It will give some of my younger, less experienced horses a chance to step up another level, and I aim to do that at least once every three weeks with those horses at that stage of their education. My focus now is very much on the Global Champions Tour.

Edwina Alexander, Olympic and World Equestrian Games Jumper, is a friend of Rolex. Edwina will be competing at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

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It was all smiles for Great Britain at the Rolex Kentucky four-star, as William Fox-Pitt won the competition on Cool Mountain and Oliver Townend rebounded from a crashing cross-country fall, leaving the hospital after an overnight stay to greet fans at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Oliver, who cracked his sternum, collarbone, shoulder and four ribs, received welcome cheers from the grandstands filled with 16,499 spectators when his presence was announced to the crowd.

He was walking a bit gingerly but seemed in good form — as long as no one made him laugh. He said he visited his uninjured mount, Ashdale Cruise Master, as he was munching hay in his stall. But there was no way he could finish his pursuit of the Rolex Grand Slam with his other horse, ODT Master Rose, who had been standing seventh.

This was William’s sixth attempt to win at Rolex, and he didn’t think he’d be able to do it with Cool Mountain, who was competing in his first four-star. But he finished on his unblemished dressage score of 42.8pen, with more than a rail in hand over America’s Phillip Dutton.

Phillip Dutton and Woodburn jumped clear in the showjumping to move up from fourth to second on 47.7pen. Kim Severson, who had been only two penalties behind William with the Irish-bred Tipperary Liadhnan, suffered a disaster starting at the third fence, where the grey gelding came to a screeching stop, knocking the rails to the ground. It got worse from there as fence after fence fell. She finished on 24 jumping faults and 12 time penalties to drop to 24th place on 80.8pen. America’s Becky Holder remained third with Courageous Comet on 49.2pen after dropping one pole.

William admitted he hadn’t come to Rolex expecting to win with Theresa Stopford Sackville’s 10-year-old, who she bought as a yearling.

“I’ve been very impressed and surprised by my horse all week. He’s a real trier,” said William. When he didn’t count on keeping his lead, he commented: “I wasn’t being modest, but he has come out of this competition a better horse without a doubt. He’s learned an awful lot. We were very lucky to have a fantastic cross-country course to ride, very educational one and hopefully maybe for me now a step up to WEG in the autumn.”

In the midst of William’s celebration, he made a point of mentioning Oliver.

“I was sure he’d win it. He came here flying with two lovely horses. For it to have gone so wrong and to have that horrible fall with Cruise Master shows what it’s all about. You just never know. You could never have imagined that. We’re all just very happy he’s okay and he’ll win it another day.”

“It’s been a week of ups and downs,” said Will Connell, British World Class Performance Manger.

“Very sorry for Oliver, but William was classic William Fox-Pitt and deserved to win right from the first day of dressage. When you win a four-star when you take two riders abroad, that’s a good result.

“Obviously, it’s a great disappointment for Oliver, but that’s the sport. That guy’s got lots of wins in him. William’s a great, great rider and he’s proved it here at Rolex. For Great Britain it’s fantastic, we’ve got another horse that’s won a four-star.”

Listen to interview with William Fox-Pitt

Don’t miss H&H’s full report from Rolex Kentucky, on sale Thursday 29 April

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Oliver Townend has been discharged from hospital following his fall from Ashdale Cruise Master on the cross-country course at Rolex Kentucky and will be flying back to the UK tonight.

“I feel a bit bashed and bruised but my spirits are good,” he said. “Hopefully I will get a good rest on the plane. At least the trip home should be easier than the journey here!

“It’s a tough sport and these things happen. I was very fit going into Kentucky and the physical strengthening work I did helped me take such a hard fall without serious damage.

“I’m also grateful for my Point Two Air inflatable air bag jacket and Champion riding hat, which saved me from suffering more serious injuries.

“I’d like to thank all those who have supported me while I’ve been in Kentucky and everyone who has been sending me messages on Facebook.

“I want to get well quickly and start riding again as soon as possible.”

Listen to Oliver Townend reflect on his fall

Ashdale Cruise Master was not hurt and will fly back to Britain with the other Rolex horses. Oliver won’t be defending his title at Badminton, however, as he has been signed off from competition for 21 days due to being knocked out.

British World Class Performance Manager Will Connell confirmed that while Oliver did sustain some minor injuries in the fall, he did not suffer a head injury.

“There were some reports Oliver had a head injury, but that was absolutely not correct,” said Will. “He is obviously a bit sore. He has some minor injuries and we’re sure he’ll make a full recovery. That’s the sport of eventing; Oliver had a good ride on his first horse and had a good ride on his second horse up that moment.”

Will added: “It’s excellent that William Fox-Pitt is in the lead; [with] all the talk about Oliver’s unfortunate fall, people forget we got three British riders over here and one is in the lead going into show jumping, which is fantastic.”

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Oliver Townend’s attempt to win the Rolex Grand Slam at the Rolex Kentucky three-day event this weekend has come to an end.

Following a fall on the cross-country course on his second ride Ashdale Cruise Master, Oliver was airlifted to hospital and remained there overnight for observation. He sustained cracks to his collar bone, chest bone and ribs in the fall, but he does not have a head injury, contrary to some reports yesterday.

Will Connell, the British Equestrian Federation’s performance director, said: “Oliver was quite sore and the doctors will look at him again this morning. He will not be competing today.”

William Fox-Pitt is currently in the lead going into the show jumping with Cool Mountain.

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Oliver Townend’s quest for the Rolex Grand Slam may have ended abruptly today as Ashdale Cruise Master (pictured right) fell 10 fences from the end of a stylish cross-country round at the Rolex Kentucky four-star.

The grey gelding ran into trouble at the first element of The Hollow, where frangible pins did not break. Oliver, who was wearing an air vest, was airlifted to a local hospital. Reports were that he was conscious and would have preferred not to take the emergency transport.

The question is whether he can compete in the show jumping tomorrow on his other horse, ODT Master Rose, who stands seventh with 50.6pen. A doctor must give an all-clear when a rider falls before the competitor can take part again. Cruise Master was not injured. Oliver’s personal assistant has said he is being checked out at the hospital purely as a precaution.

Latest update at 21:53, Saturday 24 AprilOliver is up and walking around at the hospital. According to doctors, he has suffered a head injury, the extent of which is being evaluated. At the current time, Oliver is planning to ride tomorrow.

Latest update at 22:30, Saturday 24 April Will Connell, BEF World Class Performance Director said: “Oliver should be released from hospital in the next hour and the indications are that he has been cleared to ride (ODT Master Rose) tomorrow subject to how he feels. We have a physio with us and Oliver will be assessed in the morning.”

The overnight leader, William Fox-Pitt, retained his placing on Cool Mountain, who is competing in his first four-star. He finished within the optimum time of 11min 8sec for Michael Etherington-Smith’s course at the Kentucky Horse Park to retain his score of 42.8 penalties.

“I’m devastated for Oli,” said William. “That was a huge shock and one of those freak things.”

He is two penalties ahead of the USA’s Kim Severson on Tipperary Liadhnan, another up-and-coming horse who could be a prospect for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games to be held at the Horse Park this fall.

Mike Etherington-Smith said he will look at video footage of the fall to determine what happened with the pins, but he noted that generally it takes vertical pressure to break the pins, as opposed to horizontal pressure. He also noted pins help reduce the likelihood of a rotation fall, but “no one has ever claimed they will prevent a rotational fall.”

Results after cross-country

1. William Fox-Pitt/Cool Mountain (GBR) 42.8

2. Kim Severson/Tipperary Liadhnan (USA) 44.8

3. Becky Holder/Courageous Comet (USA) 45.2

4. Phillip Dutton/The Foreman (USA) 47.6

5. Phillip Dutton/Woodburn (USA) 47.7

6. Karen O’Connor/Mandiba (USA) 48.1

7. Oliver Townend/ODT Master Rose 50.6

8. Boyd Martin/Neville Bardos (USA) 51.8

9. Stephanie Rhodes-Bosch/Port Authority 52

10. Selina O’Hanlon/Colombo (USA) 52.7

Don’t miss H&H’s full report from Kentucky, on sale Thursday 29 April

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Oliver Townend was reconciled to his sixth and ninth-place standing with his two horses after dressage on Friday at the four-star Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, but he wasn’t about to give up going after the Rolex Grand Slam on the eve of cross-country.

Asked to assess his chances, he said: “I’m not high enough.

“The horses were good; as good as they have ever been. They’re both very green, relatively. But at the same time, [I am] pleased with the performances.”

Then he quickly added: “Tomorrow is another day.”

There was a British rider at the top of the rankings, however. William Fox-Pitt, riding Cool Mountain in his first 4-star, didn’t expect to find himself in such an elevated position with a score of 42.8 penalties for a fluid ride that had lots of gloss.

“I’ll be hoping he carries on,” said William, “but I certainly wasn’t coming here expecting him to win. But who knows? I’m not going to let go without a bit of a fight.”

Oliver’s test on Ashdale Cruise Master had only one major flaw, in the half-pirouette where he received 4’s. Oliver got straight 7’s on paces and impulsion, and straight 8’s for his riding.

At the end of his test, as he took off his hat and saluted, the crowd started cheering. Smiling, he waved his hat up and down, encouraging them. His score was 46.2 penalties, a single penalty behind Becky Holder of the U.S. on Courageous Comet. ODT Master Rose was scored at 49.8 penalties.

Asked if he regretted not having brought the more experienced Carousel Quest, who was eighth in Kentucky last year, Ollie said: “No. I think Ashdale Cruise Master is a very, very good horse for the future. The Grand Slam is obviously is a huge, huge thing. But to have that sort of experience in such an amazing arena is definitely a big build-up and stepping stone toward his future career.

“Looking forwards to the world championships, touch wood, it will go well and also London 2012. I think the more that we can get the really top horses into those sort of atmospheres, the better.”

Kim Severson of the U.S., a former Kentucky champion with Winsome Adante, had 44.8 penalties to finish fourth on Tipperary Liadhnan, while the overnight leader, Karen O’Connor on Mandiba, tied for second with the up-and-coming Allison Springer on Arthur with 43.7 penalties.

The only other British rider in the competition, the American-based 2004 Olympic individual gold medalist Leslie Law, had a few glitches with Fleeceworks Mystere du Val to tie for 13th on 51.8 penalties.

Stay in touch with all the action from Kentucky on Horseandhound.co.uk and don’t miss H&H’s full report, on sale 29 April

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Swiss watchmaker Rolex has renewed its partnership with the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) for another three years.

Rolex will remain the title sponsor of the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping — Western European League and final; the television magazine programme FEI Equestrian World and showjumping’s Rolex Rankings.

FEI Secretary General Alex McLin sad: “The FEI is proud to be associated with one of the most valuable global brands.

“Our partnership has taken jumping to a whole new level of excellence. We are looking forward to another three years of unforgettable sporting moments.”

And Carsten Couchouron, FEI executive commercial director added: “Rolex has been an invaluable partner over the last years and we are extremely pleased to be able to count on their continued support for the coming years.”

Rolex, which has supported equestrian sport since 1957, became an FEI partner in 2006.

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Top international showjumper Edwina Alexander will be sharing the highs and lows of her preparations for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games on HorseandHound.co.uk each month in the run up to the event (25 Sept – 10 Oct).

What is a typical training day for you?

I normally wake up at 7am and I’m in the stables by 8am ready to ride. Every day is a little bit different, but on average I ride between 6 and 8 horses each day, and I will be riding until 1pm. I’ll ride again for a couple of hours after lunch, before spending some time in the office catching up with emails, organising travel arrangements for upcoming shows, sending videos to clients. I feel more relaxed if I know exactly what’s going on!

Have you been busy since your Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping series win in Vigo?

I kept Socrates (Cevo Socrates) and Itot (Cevo Itot Du Château) busy in the lead up to Gothenburg, where they both jumped well. Since Gothenburg they have both had a break from competing enjoying some hacking in the woods, dressage and a bit of a lunge in the afternoon. I have been to Australia since Gothenburg but they have both been kept active with some small jumps work.

What kind of character is Itot?

I’ve had him for two years and he’s a funny horse and extremely sensitive. He can be hard to catch in the stables and to get out of the box, and more often than not my groom will have some carrots or sugar when I’m trying to get on him!

Who are your main threats at the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Final in Geneva?

I would have to say Jessica (Kürten) is probably my biggest threat because she and her horse are both very competitive. I admire her a lot because she is tough and determined, and she seems to have that edge. Pénélope (Leprevost) is another rider that I admire as she is so quick. You never know with Marcus (Ehning), but he’s one of the best riders in the world and it will depend on how well he has his horse organised.

How do you rate your chances at the Rolex FEI World Cup Final?

After how well Itot jumped at ‘s-Hertogenbosch, I feel really confident and relaxed. Itot jumped very well in Gothenburg and he definitely feels better than ever at the moment. At the last World Cup Final in Las Vegas, I wasn’t anywhere near as well prepared as I am now. This time around Itot doesn’t have to travel as far and he and I both know the arena in Geneva very well.

How will you be preparing for WEG?

This year is one of my biggest years ever. I have the Rolex FEI World Cup Final and WEG and also the Global Champions Tour, which I need to qualify for. I’ll use the Global Champions Tour shows to prepare Itot for WEG, but I’m conscious that I don’t want him to do too many shows or too much travelling.

Edwina Alexander, Olympic and World Equestrian Games Jumper, is a friend of Rolex. Edwina will be competing at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

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Top British showjumper Ben Maher has climbed 14 places in a month to reach sixth in the Rolex world rankings.

Way ahead of the next nearest Brit – Guy Williams, ranked 50th – Ben has had a blistering start to 2010.

Competing two horses at grand prix level has made a real difference to the Hertfordshire-based rider’s results.

A Rolex grand prix win in Zurich in January with Wonderboy III was followed by a win in the Nations Cup and third in the grand prix in Abu Dhabi in February for Robin Hood W.

Wonderboy then clocked up third in the Mix Megapol in Gothenburg at the end of February to propel Ben into the upper stratosphere of world showjumping.

“It’s always been an ambition to make the top ten in the world,” said Ben.

“It’s a great feeling making the most of great horses and we have a secure team that’s helped me rise up the rankings very fast.”

Ben is the first Brit to enter the top 10 since July 2008 when John Whitaker was ranked tenth in the series.

Swiss Pius Schwizer tops the Rolex world rankings with 3195 points to Ben’s 2709.

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In cycling there’s the yellow jersey and golfers vie for the green jacket. Now show jumping will have its own badge of honour for the leading contender — a green and gold armband, to be worn by the world’s leading rider in the Rolex rankings.

The armband has been launched by the International Jumping Riders Club and the FEI (International Equestrian Federation) to enable fans to follow the world’s top rider easily.

The armband will be worn on the rider’s left arm at FEI jumping events throughout 2010 and reads “Number 1, The Rolex Rankings”.

Rolex rankings are released monthly and the rider will wear the band until they are knocked off the top spot.

Marcus Ehning became the first rider to receive the armband at the Rolex IRJC Top 10 Final in Paris on 10 December.

“It is a great privilege to be the first holder of the armband and I hope to wear it for many months to come,” he said.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (24 December, ’09)

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Polo extraordinaire Gonzalo Pieres Jr has signed a sponsorship deal with watchmaker Rolex.

He becomes the fourth equestrian “Rolex Testimonee”, part of a select group of elite sportsmen who excel in their chosen sport.

The 10-goal handicapper joins three-day event rider Zara Phillips and show jumpers Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Rodrigo Pessoa. Other testimonees include the world’s longest standing number one tennis player Roger Federer and world-class golfer Phil Michelson.

Gonzalo signed the exclusive partnership with Rolex last Thursday (3 December) during the Argentine Open.

“It is a great honour to become a Rolex Testimonee,” said Gonzalo. “I have grown up watching Rolex Testimonees compete at the highest sporting level. Like them, my approach to life is to strive for perfection in everything I do.”

The 26-year-old is currently ranked number one in the World Polo Tour and has an impressive catalogue of success to his name, including the Grand Slam Sotogrande Cup, the Masters Series British Open, the US Open and the Argentine Open.

“Gonzalo is the world’s number one ranked polo player, and this has been achieved by focus, dedication and a constant desire to improve,” explained Jean-Noel Bioul, co-director of sponsoring at Rolex.

“We are delighted that he has joined the Rolex family and look forward to working with him over the coming years.”

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British equestrian traders mounted a successful trade mission to the US during the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (23-26 April).

Nine companies, offering products as varied as hay steamers, riding holidays, boots and bridles, exhibited in a British Pavilion during the international event and report good interest in their wares.

Norfolk-based footwear specialist Tuffa was delighted to discover a buoyant market for sheepskin lined boots in Kentucky – even in temperatures of up to 90 degrees.

“It was very useful to be part of the British group, it gave us instant identity and was like being part of a family,” said Richard Girling of Tuffa.

“We made a lot of contacts and the Americans liked our prices. This is a good time to be exporting.”

American shoppers also warmed to the prospect of a riding holiday, taking in the Lake District scenery from the enviable vantage point of a Clydesdale horse.

“We had serious interest for next year and even the year after that,” said Andrew Butcher of Cumbrian Heavy Horses. “Lots of visitors hadn’t considered holidays on heavy horses, but were really excited by the idea.”

The trip was organised by the British Equestrian Traders Association with some funding from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).

Claire Williams, executive director of BETA, said: “Rolex visitors comprise leisure and business-orientated horse people, many of whom are on the look out for new ideas.

“British equestrian goods and services are renowned in the US for high quality and innovation – so the British Pavilion was very busy.”

Other companies exhibiting in the British Pavilion were Barnsby Saddlery, Frank Baines Saddlery, Black Country Saddlery, Happy Horse Products, Propress Equine, Alexander James of Pendlebury and KC Sports.

BETA has also secured UKTI funding for export missions to the Spruce Meadows Masters, Canada (9-13 September) and the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Kentucky in 2010.

For more information, including confidential export advice, contact BETA on 01937 587062 email info@beta-uk.org or visit www.beta-uk.org

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Ireland’s Jessica Kürten stormed to victory in convincing fashion on Castle Forbes Libertina at the seventh IJRC Top-10 Final sponsored by Rolex in Geneva (Sunday 9 December).

Defending World Cup champion Beat Mandli from Switzerland slotted into second ahead of Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum in third.

It was a night of surprises, including elimination for Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum riding Checkmate, who twice ducked out at the wall during the first round of the competition.

Britain’s sole representative Michael Whitaker set off in determined mood after narrowly missing out last year due to a single time fault, but two down on Insul Tech Mozart des Hayettes dropped him out of contention.

Only Ludger Beerbaum on Couleur Rubin and Jessica Kürten managed to keep a clean sheet going into the second round.

Castle Forbes Libertina never looked like making a mistake in round two and galloped through the finish clear in 59.13sec to ensure her rider took home the €30,000 winners prize and a new Rolex watch.

A delighted Jessica said: “There is a lot of pressure in these type of competitions because you are competing against the best in the world but when you go into the final round you can’t think about making a mistake.

“I know my horse is good enough, although I sometimes wonder if I’m good enough, but she tries every time!”

After picking up four faults with Ideo du Thot in the opening round, Beat Mandli’s stallion was much sharper when he returned to the arena and soared home clear in 56.95 sec, which was good enough for second place.

Beat Mandli blamed himself for his first-round error and said he was “super-happy with my horse” despite Ideo du Thot being a bit nervous going into the electric atmosphere in the packed Palexpo Arena.

After surviving a spectacular hind-leg paddle in round one, Ludger Beerbaum’s Couleur Rubin rolled the top pole off the vertical three from home in the second round to finish third.

IJRC Top-10 FINAL presented by ROLEX

1, Castle Forbes Libertina (Jessica Kürten) 0/0 59.13;

2, Ideo du Thot (Beat Mandli) Sui 4/0 56.95;

3, Couleur Rubin (Ludger Beerbaum) Ger 0/4 61.49;

4, Coster (Christian Ahlmann) Ger 4/4 56.44;

5, Gitania (Marcus Ehning) Ger 4/4 57.60;

6, Insul Tech Mozart des Hayettes (Michael Whitaker) GBR 8/0 60.03;

7, Sam (Albert Zoer) Ned 4/8 51.85;

8, Judgement (Beezie Madden) USA 4/8 56.65;

9, Eurocommerce Acapulco (Gerco Schroder) Ned 4/8 60.07;

10, Checkmate (Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum) Ger 4/8 60.07.

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William Fox-Pitt (pictured below) may not have won the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in three tries, but he turned in a really credible performance against top competition yesterday to be place fourth with a perfect show jumping round his relatively inexperienced mount, Ballincoola.

“I’m going to go away from here feeling really great and looking forward to the rest of the season,” said William, who was 11th on his other horse, Coastal Ties, after two knockdowns and time penalties as he made his way carefully around the testing course.

The show jumping track at the Kentucky Horse Park was designed by Richard Jeffery, a native of Britain who has won the US course designer of the year title six times. Only six starters in the four-star CCI division had double clears, with top honours going to Kim Severson and Winsome Adante, who had led since the dressage stage.

Kim added nothing throughout the weekend to her 37-penalty dressage score, holding firm under pressure from Australian Phillip Dutton, who was six penalties behind her on Nova Top and produced a double clear right before she went in the arena.

The jumps, modelled after Kentucky landmarks like the twin spires of Churchill Downs racetrack, home of the Kentucky Derby, were as difficult as they were attractive. There was an optional line at the double, but the only ones to take the track across the centre of the ring were the British riders and Kim.

Though Polly Jackson had two

knockdowns with Limestone Rise (pictured right), she still managed to finish sixth after a spectacular cross-country performance. Sarah Cutteridge was 12th on Future Perfect, with just one knockdown and a time penalty.

In the modified section, which lacked a steeplechase and was only open to riders based in North America, Pan American Championships individual gold medallist Darren Chiacchia moved up to first from second, despite a pole down at the last of 13 jumps, the Rolex oxer.

Nathalie Boukaert, 23 was in a state of shock to find she had kept her dressage lead on West Farthing through cross-country, but was subdued by a stop at the first fence on the show jumping course.

“I was trying to be very careful,” she said, “but I rode backward. After that, I took a long breath and relaxed.” But West Farthing didn’t, dropping three rails and logging six time penalties, plummeting Nathalie to seventh.

US-based Phillip Dutton, who is being eyed by his country’s Olympic selectors, was second in the modified, too, with Hannigan, the former ride of Abigail Lufkin. She was third in the CCI on Kildonan Tug, an Australian thoroughbred she bought last autumn.

More than 69,000 spectators attended Rolex during the weekend, despite rainy weather on three of the four days. There were 17,811 on hand during the final afternoon to bid farewell to Custom Made, who retired in a formal ceremony. He is the horse who

Tailor, as the bay gelding is known at home, carried David O’Connor’s to claim the individual gold medal in Sydney four years ago, and his resume also includes victories at Badminton and Rolex. He following his official retirement from competition he going to star in David and his wife Karen’s popular clinics around the country.

View a slideshow of the final day

CCI four-star final results

1, Kim Severson, USA, Winsome Adante, 37 pens;

2, Phillip Dutton, AUS, Nova Top, 43;

3, Abigail Lufkin, USA, Kildonan Tug, 45.8;

4, William Fox-Pitt, GBR, Ballincoola, 47.4;

5, Julie Richards, USA, Jacob Two Two, 56.6;

6, Polly Jackson, GBR, Limestone Rise, 61.4.

Modified four-star results

1, Darren Chiacchia, USA, Windfall II, 45.2;

2, Phillip Dutton, AUS, Hannigan, 49.6;

3, John Williams, USA, Carrick, 50.2;

4, Amy Tryon, USA, My Beau, 53.2;

5, Stephen Bradley, USA, From, 54;

6, Jan Thompson, USA, Task Force, 56.2.

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Most of the British contingent at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day event had a cross-country day with some real high notes, though no one could overtake the lead in the CCI 4-star held by the USA’s Kim Severson on Winsome Adante.

Kim stayed on her winning dressage score of 37 penalties with one of only six fault-free performances during the morning. Just six penalties behind her with no added faults on course was Australian Olympic team double gold medalist Phillip Dutton on Nova Top.

Other perfect trips belonged to William Fox-Pitt on Ballincoola, who stands tied for fourth with his other mount, Coastal Ties (4 time penalties); Polly Jackson, eighth with Limestone Rise after hitting the optimum time of 11:14 spot-on, and Sarah Cutteridge, 11th with Future Perfect.

The only down note of the day at the Kentucky Horse Park for the group was Polly Stockton’s fall with Word for Word at the 29th of 32 fences, the corners at the Lexington bank, which caused problems for several other riders as well. Polly didn’t complete the course, and was understandably glum, but the rest of the entourage was smiling.

“It was a pretty good day all around, I think,” said Yogi Breisner, British eventing’s world class performance manager. He would have liked to have everyone finish within the time, then noted, “but I suppose you can’t be greedy. Having said that, we were very, very pleased with the way Word for Word went. He went beautifully, it was just one of those things that happens. He’s been a very reliable horse in the past, and one we do believe one can forgive.”

Heidi Antikatzidis of Greece was having a great trip on Fairfax (“I took all the risks,” she said) when she had a refusal negotiating those tricky corner jumps on the infamous bank. “There was lack of drive up the hill. He didn’t turn very well,” she said. “He jumped the first corner really badly and couldn’t make the second one.”

Even so, she enjoyed her first competitive trip to Rolex.

“It’s really well-organized. People are very friendly. It’s much more relaxed than Badminton,” Heidi observed.

The afternoon was devoted to the 4-star modified division, the same format, sans steeplechase, that will be used at the Athens Olympics.

This was the first time such an event was ever staged at the four-star level, and there were some very tired horses at the end, with the wiser riders retiring. But Nathalie Bouckaert, first in the dressage phase, managed to hang onto her spot in the standings even with 1.2 time penalties aboard West Farthing, whose total is 38.6. Pan American Championships individual gold medalist Darren Chiacchia with the Trakehner stallion, Windfall II is second on 41.2.

Though the weather was finally sunny for cross-country, rain is predicted for stadium jumping, which could be a factor in how the standings end up.

View a slideshow of the cross country day

CCI leaderboard after the third day

1) Kim Severson, USA, Winsome Adante, 37;

2) Phillip Dutton, AUS, Nova Top, 43;

3) Abigail Lufkin, USA, Kildonan Tug, 45.8;

4) (tie) William Fox-Pitt, GBR, Coastal Ties and Ballincoola, 47.4;

6) David O’Connor, USA, Courting Danger, 48.4

Modified leaderboard after the third day

1) Nathalie Bouckaert, USA, West Farthing, 38.6;

2) Darren Chiacchia, USA, Windfall II, 41.2;

3) Amy Tryon, USA, My Beau, 45.2;

4) Stephen Bradley, USA, From, 46;

5) John Williams, USA, Carrick, 46.2;

6) Will Faudree, USA, Antigua, 48.6.

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It poured with rain as the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event began on Thursday, but the bright spot of the day was undoubtedly the dressage performance of William Fox-Pitt (right), who is leading the CCI four-star with Coastal Ties.

Despite the heavy showers, he achieved a score of 43.4 penalties to lead from American rider Abigail Lufkin on Kildonan Tug with 45.8. Both riders coped admirably well with their sensitive Australian thoroughbreds in the conditions.

William was fairly pleased with Coastal Ties first attempt at this test, although he did point out it was far from perfect: “He made a few mistakes, which is disappointing. He doesn’t normally throw his head around and gallop on the wrong leg at the end of his extended canters.”

William is competing for the third time at Kentucky, but has yet to win America’s version of Badminton at the Kentucky Horse Park, which is located near a bevy of thoroughbred breeding farms just outside the city.

“To win this would be fantastic,” said William, whose show jumping problems foiled him the last two years. He’s not thinking about the final phase yet, however. “There’s a lot to be done before we get to show jumping,” he said.

The only other

British rider competing on the first dressage day was Polly Stockton with Word for Word (right), who stood fifth in the CCI four-star after a generally pleasing test that was let down by the collected canter work.

In the four-star modified division, which follows the Olympic format that has dropped the steeplechase, World Equestrian Games team gold medalist Amy Tryon of the US took the early lead on My Beau, who won the Chatsworth, Georgia, three-star CIC earlier this spring.

Tryon’s score of 42 penalties put her 8.2 penalties ahead of two competitors tied for second — French Twist, ridden by Jessica Heidemann, who is making her Rolex debut, and Lester Piggott, ridden by Holly Hepp.

Another modified competitor, Olympic individual gold medalist David O’Connor, was putting in a relatively good test on Tigger Too when the horse suddenly acted up a few strides from the final halt.

“He’s been very emotional in the dressage all year for some reason,” David said, who was glad he had produced as good a test as he did to finish tied for 11th place on 59.6 penalties.

The modified is open only to North American riders or foreigners based in North America who already have completed qualifications for the Olympics.

Weather forecasts are calling for a fair day on Saturday for cross-country, but 30 tons of grit are stockpiled around the course in case they’re needed. On Thursday, organisers changed the order for cross-country, with the four-star competitors going first to give those trying to qualify for the Olympics the best footing.

Entries will be thoroughly tested by Mike Etherington-Smith’s course, which has undergone many changes since last year.

“It asks a little more of riders without asking more of the horses,” he said.

View a slideshow of the first day

CCI Leaderboard after first day of dressage

1, William Fox-Pitt, GBR, Coastal Ties, 43.4;

2, Abigail Lufkin, USA, Kildonan Tug, 45.8;

3, Donna Smith, NZL, Call Me Clifton, 46.6;

4, Bruce Davidson, USA, Little Tricky, 48;

5, Polly Stockton, GBR, Word for Word, 48.4;

6, Linden Wiesman, USA, Primitive Gold, 50.8.

Modified four-star leaderboard

1, Amy Tryon, USA, My Beau 42;

=2, Holly Hepp, USA, Lester Piggott 50.3;

=2, Jessica Heidemann, USA, French Twist, 50.3;

=4, Karen O’Connor, USA, Joker’s Wild 52.4;

=4,Hawley Bennett, Canada, Livingstone, 52.4;

6, Robert Costello, USA, Dalliance, 53.

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