Martin Fuchs Triumphs Again at the Rolex Grand Prix of Calgary 2024
Martin Fuchs riding Leone Jei (c) Mackenzie Clark
On Sunday, September 8, 2024, the International Ring at Spruce Meadows witnessed a spectacular showdown as it hosted the highly anticipated Rolex Grand Prix of Calgary, the third Major of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. For the second consecutive year, Swiss rider Martin Fuchs clinched the victory, riding his exceptional horse, Leone Jei, solidifying his place in the annals of this prestigious event.
The competition, structured in two rounds followed by a jump-off, featured 38 of the world’s top equestrian pairs. Among the contenders were André Thieme, vying for the Rolex Grand Slam, and past winners of the event: Martin Fuchs (2023), Daniel Deusser (2022), and Steve Guerdat (2021). The course, designed by Leopoldo Palacios, proved to be extremely challenging, with imposing obstacles that tested the skill and endurance of both horses and riders.
Brazilian rider Yuri Mansur was the first to complete a clear round within the time limit, setting a high standard. However, the next clean round was delivered by Daniel Deusser, the Rolex Testimonee, followed by Ben Maher, the gold medalist in team jumping at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The demanding track caused several riders, including Guerdat and Juan Manuel Gallego, to incur penalties due to time faults.
Among the 12 riders advancing to the second round, Martin Fuchs once again showcased his prowess, delivering an impeccable performance that secured his place in the final jump-off alongside Darragh Kenny and Daniel Deusser. The significant disappointment of the day was for André Thieme, whose Grand Slam aspirations were dashed by two rails down, eliminating him from contention.
The jump-off saw mistakes from Mansur and Maher, while Fuchs maintained his composure, finishing with a double clear round. Kenny also incurred a fault, and Deusser, who started last, had two rails down. Fuchs’ time of 40.22 seconds in the jump-off proved to be unbeatable, earning him the top spot and marking Leone Jei as the first horse to win a Major of the Rolex Grand Slam at the same venue twice in consecutive years.
Reflecting on his victory, Martin Fuchs expressed his excitement: “Being the first to go in the jump-off was incredibly nerve-wracking. I was surprised by the win, especially knowing that I had two of the best riders in the world following me. Leone Jei is an extraordinary horse and once again demonstrated his immense talent.” The Swiss rider further added, “The courses at this event are among the most challenging in the world. To win here, you need to be 100% focused and brave enough to tackle these imposing obstacles.”
In addition to the thrilling competition, the event featured an exciting announcement: Linda Southern-Heathcott, President and CEO of Spruce Meadows, revealed that the prize fund for the Grand Prix will be increased to 5 million Canadian dollars in 2025 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the international competition in Calgary—a historic milestone for the event.
Fuchs’ victory represents a remarkable affirmation of his skill and his strong bond with Leone Jei, a horse that has proven to shine in crucial moments. The balance of courage, precision, and speed was critical to his success, and the audience was treated to a high-level spectacle.
The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping now moves on to the CHI Geneva, the fourth and final Major of the year, where Fuchs may once again emerge as a key contender. The stakes are high as the season progresses, and the world will be watching to see if Fuchs can continue his impressive run of form.
For the full standings of the Rolex Grand Prix of Calgary 2024, visit equipe.com.
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