André Thieme Wins the Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen 2024
André Thieme riding DSP Chakaria (c) Mackenzie Clark
The second event of the 2024 Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping concluded with an exhilarating Rolex Grand Prix before a crowd of 45,000 spectators at CHIO Aachen. This year marked several memorable anniversaries for the iconic equestrian venue, celebrating not only 100 years of history but also 25 years with Rolex as the main sponsor.
Forty of the world’s top horse-rider combinations, qualified through preceding days, tackled the course designed by Frank Rothenberger, aiming to etch their names among the illustrious winners of the Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen, often dubbed the Wimbledon of equestrian sport. Remarkably, six of the last ten winners of the Rolex Grand Prix have been German, and with over a quarter of the participants representing the host nation, the crowd hoped for another German victory.
The Rolex Grand Prix, contested over two rounds with a jump-off in case of equal penalties, is a true test of endurance, determination, and talent, demanding the utmost harmony and trust between horse and rider.
André Thieme, riding DSP Chakaria, emerged victorious after a thrilling jump-off. Third to enter the arena, Thieme executed a flawless round and set a blazing time of 39.77 seconds in the jump-off, which proved insurmountable for the remaining competitors.
The anticipation was palpable as McLain Ward of the United States, the first to enter the jump-off, delivered a clear round in 41.02 seconds. Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs, a three-time Rolex Grand Slam winner, chased Thieme’s time but incurred a heartbreaking rail down. Germany’s Richard Vogel, last to go, was on track for his second major victory but saw his hopes dashed as the final Rolex obstacle fell.
Reflecting on his victory, André Thieme expressed, “It’s every rider’s dream to win the Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen, and to have my name on that list, especially as a German, is incredible. The atmosphere and the crowd are unmatched – there’s nothing that can compare.”
Speaking about his strategy in the jump-off, Thieme added, “I put more strides from the first to the second fence – I know my horse doesn’t have the biggest stride but is very fast on the ground, so I was able to make a very tight turn to the penultimate oxer, and then at the last fence, I took the risk – my horse [DSP Chakaria] is amazing, she’s fantastic!”
The top five of the Rolex Grand Prix CHIO Aachen 2024 are as follows:
- André Thieme on DSP Chakaria
- McLain Ward on HH Azur
- Martin Fuchs on Leone Jei
- Richard Vogel on United Touch S
- Marcus Ehning on Stargold
For complete results, visit here.
André Thieme‘s triumph at CHIO Aachen adds another chapter to the prestigious legacy of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, reinforcing his status among the elite in the sport. His victory will be remembered as a testament to skill, partnership with his horse, and sheer determination under pressure.
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