Nick Skelton’s Grand Slam hopes dashed
Nick Skelton’s bid to win the Rolex Grand Slam came to an end this week when Big Star was discovered to have thrown a small splint.
The British number one showjumper was on the road to a €1million bonus after winning the Aachen grand prix in June. But, with Big Star now out of action, he will be unable to contest the second leg of the Grand Slam in Spruce Meadows, Canada, next week (4-8 September).
The bonus is to be awarded to any rider who wins the grands prix at Aachen, Spruce Meadows and Geneva consecutively. However, Nick could still claim a €250,000 bonus available to any rider who claims 2 non-consecutive wins out of 3.
It is not currently known how long Gary and Beverley Widdowson’s stallion will be out of action.
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Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.