Scott Brash on target for 1million euro Rolex bonus

Scott Brash and Hello Sanctos won the Rolex grand prix in Geneva this afternoon (14 December) and will now bid for the 1,000,000euro bonus on offer for any rider who can claim all three grands prix in the Rolex Grand Slam of showjumping.

The world number one enjoyed a sensational weekend in Switzerland, taking victory in the Rolex IJRC Top 10 final on Friday night, also on Hello Sanctos, and followed up by collecting the £196,000 top prize in Sunday’s grand prix.

“I’m absolutely ecstatic, my horse has been unbelievable again,” said Scott of Lord and Lady Harris’ and Lady Kirkham’s 12-year-old gelding.

“I didn’t know if I’d done enough and Roger [Yves Bost, just 0.25sec behind riding Quod’ Coeur De La Loge] had me sweating, but I’m delighted. I’ve everything I want – a wonderful horse and wonderful owners and my team behind me are unbelievable. I’m on top of the world today.“

The next date in the Rolex Grand Slam calendar is the CHIO Aachen in Germany at the end of May, 2015.

“I’ll put Aachen on my list now – I’ll be trying!” added 29-year-old Scott, who has enjoyed one of the best years of his career and will be in action on homesoil at Olympia next week.

The third rider on the grand prix podium after a 13-rider jump-off was Sweden’s Rolf-Goran Bengtsson with Casall Ask.

Rolex Grand Prix result:

1. Scott Brash & Hello Sanctos (GBR)
2. Roger Yves Bost & Quod’ Coeur De La Loge (FRA)
3. Rolf Goran Bengtsson & Casall Ask (SWE)
4. Kevin Staut & Reveur De Hurtebise HDC (FRA)
5. Penelope Leprevost & Vagabond De La Pomme (FRA)
6. Alain Jufer & Wiveau B (SUI)

Don’t miss the full report from the CHI Geneva, at which there were also wins for Ireland’s Bertram Allen and Thomas Ryan, in next week’s issue of Horse & Hound (out Thursday, 18 December).

Jennifer Donald

H&H showjumping editor

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.