Geneva, 14 September 2023 – Rolex equestrian Testimonee Martin Fuchs delivered a masterful performance to win the 2023 edition of the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament. The Swiss equestrian, riding Leone Jei, prevailed in a contest featuring the world’s best show jumping riders over three rounds of competition.

Staged on the outskirts of Calgary, Canada, the event is widely regarded as the leading equestrian show in North America, and one of the most prestigious dates on the international show jumping calendar. Fuchs rose to the occasion, producing a perfect clear round in the jump-off to edge Canada’s Tiffany Foster off top spot in front of her home crowd. It was a supreme display of accuracy, discipline and trust, qualities that resonate with Rolex’s own commitment to perpetual excellence, in its watchmaking and all other endeavours.

In recognition of the enormity of the achievement, Fuchs showed what the victory meant to him, punching the air in celebration as he jumped the final fence in the challenging third round jump-off. Beaming in victory, he savoured the moment as he soaked up the electric atmosphere inside the International Ring at Spruce Meadows.

Fuchs is one of the finest show jumpers in the world today, a winner of some of the discipline’s most prestigious titles: he has twice reached World No. 1, is the only person to have achieved back-to-back victories in the Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva (2019 and 2021) and has now added a third Major title to his impressive resume. The 31-year-old has competed Leone Jei, a grey gelding, in nine Majors to date, with the pairing placing in the top 10 on eight occasions, a reflection of their remarkable talent and consistency. In claiming the title of the prestigious CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, Fuchs becomes the live contender in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping ahead of the fourth and final Major of the 2023 calendar year, the CHI Geneva.

Commenting on his victory, Fuchs said: “Winning the CPKC 'International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament is one of my lifelong dreams. It was the perfect end to the perfect week, and I cannot describe this feeling; it is unbelievable to win here at this historical show. My dad competed here many times, but he never managed to win, so he has always told me, you have to go there, you have to win for us one day, so I am very happy to have done it today.”

Expanding on the challenges he overcame en route to victory, Fuchs added: “In the first round when I lost my stirrup, I was incredibly on edge. Leone jumped so fantastically, he actually jumped me out of the saddle over the Canadian planks and I lost the left stirrup. I tried to find it through the turn to the last line. I know we’ve trained with stirrups, without stirrups, just for this moment, but no matter how I tried, I just couldn’t get my footing back – so I am expecting a debrief from my dad when I get home.”

Rolex, the Presenting Sponsor of the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament since 1989, has been a committed partner of equestrianism for almost 70 years, supporting the finest riders, competitions and institutions. Fuchs now joins an exclusive group of Rolex Testimonees who have reigned supreme in the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, one that includes Daniel Deusser (2022), Steve Guerdat (2021), Scott Brash (2015, 2016) and Jeroen Dubbeldam (2010).

Today, the Rolex family of Equestrian Testimonees continues to excel in the sport. In 2022, Fuchs led the way, winning the 2022 FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final and reclaiming the World No. 1 ranking for the second time.

The rise to the elite ranks by Fuchs has come as no surprise to those who follow the sport. He was born into horse riding. His grandfather was a farmer whose vision to diversify and build a riding school laid the foundation for Fuchs’ father and uncle, Thomas and Markus, to grow up riding horses. The brothers both went on to represent Switzerland in show jumping at the Olympic Games, and his mother, Renata, was also an elite show jumper. They handed the baton to Martin, who started riding aged seven and showed early potential. In 2010, at the age of 18, he won team gold in the inaugural Summer Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, and his path to extending the Fuchs family legacy was set.

When Thomas Fuchs started coaching Swiss international rider Steve Guerdat, 10 years older than Martin, the young Fuchs had another ideal role model. He and fellow Rolex Testimonee Guerdat have since become close friends and rivals, as well as teammates on the Swiss national team. Helping each other and learning from each other, both men have reaped the dividends. On the morning of the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, Fuchs and Guerdat walked the course several times together and shared notes on tactics, fence approach and preferred jump-off lines.

“Steve has always been my role model, and this has never changed,” says Fuchs of his FEI European Championship teammate, with whom he claimed team gold in 2021 and who went on to win individual gold at the FEI European Championships earlier this summer. “To see how he trains and how he manages all of his horses is incredible. He has been in the top 10 for so many years, winning with so many different horses and this is so inspiring for me.”

In winning the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, Fuchs has emulated Guerdat, who claimed the title in 2021. The focus of the equestrian world will now turn to the CHI Geneva in December, Fuchs’ home Major, as he continues his quest to conquer the sport’s ultimate challenge, the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. This coveted prize rewards any rider who wins, consecutively, the Grand Prix at three of the four Majors, namely The Dutch Masters, the CHIO Aachen, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament and the CHI Geneva.