On Sunday 8 September, Rolex Testimonee Martin Fuchs once again showcased his extraordinary skill and resolve, securing victory in the prestigious CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament 2024. Fuchs, riding his exceptional grey gelding, Leone Jei, defended his 2023 title with a commanding performance against 37 of the world’s top show jumpers, making him the new live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

The CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex is known for producing unforgettable moments, and Fuchs’ triumph was no exception. Hailing from one of the strongest families in show jumping - his parents competed internationally, and his uncle Markus won a silver medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics – the Swiss rider once again proved why he is considered part of the sport’s elite. After flawless performances in the first two rounds, Fuchs and Leone Jei incurred just four faults in the jump-off to finish in a time of 40.22 seconds. This not only secured the win for the long-time partners, but also marked Fuchs’ fourth Major title and a second consecutive victory in Calgary.

This year’s CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament celebrated 35 years of Rolex as the Main Sponsor. For nearly seven decades, Rolex has played an integral role in elevating equestrian sport by supporting the finest riders, competitions, and institutions. Alongside Fuchs, an esteemed group of Rolex Testimonees have also won the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex title, including Daniel Deusser (2022), Steve Guerdat (2021), Scott Brash (2015, 2016), Jeroen Dubbeldam (2010) and Rodrigo Pessoa (2000, 2001).

Reflecting on his victory, the World No. 8 expressed his joy: “It feels fantastic to win back-to-back CPKC ‘International’ Grands Prix, presented by Rolex. After we had the pole down, I didn’t think winning was possible, but luck was on our side today. Leone Jei is a fantastic horse; I have had him for six or seven years now and he has always performed exceptionally well. I think he has jumped 13 Majors and placed in 12 of them. Leone Jei always rises to the occasion at Majors, which are the most important classes in the year for me, so I am glad that I have such a wonderful partner who feels the same.”

Commenting on the importance of Grand Slam events, Fuchs added: “Rolex stands for excellence, and winning these prestigious Grands Prix and tournaments throughout the year is all about excellence and precision. We all strive for that.”

In securing his second consecutive CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex win, Fuchs adds another accolade to his already illustrious career. In addition to multiple five-star Grands Prix titles, he has earned an individual silver medal at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games™, a silver at the 2019 FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final, and gold at the 2019 FEI European Championships. His victory in the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva 2019 propelled him to the top of the world rankings in 2020, and he went on to make history by becoming the first rider to win consecutive Rolex Grand Prix titles at the CHI Geneva.

The CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, also saw notable performances from other Rolex Testimonees. Former champion Steve Guerdat carried just one time fault through to the second round, and Rolex’s newest Testimonee, Richard Vogel, also advanced to the second round with the fastest four-fault score alongside Kevin Staut. Daniel Deusser, winner of the 2022 edition of the title, produced the double-clear required to progress through to the jump-off, claiming third place overall after two fences down in the third and final round, despite having the fastest time.

As the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament concludes for 2024, the equestrian world will now shift its focus towards the CHI Geneva 2024 in December, where Martin Fuchs will seek to win his third home Major Rolex Grand Prix title, as well as continue his quest for the sport’s ultimate achievement - the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. This prestigious prize is awarded to any rider who consecutively wins the Grand Prix at three of the four Majors: The Dutch Masters, the CHIO Aachen, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, and the CHI Geneva.