ROLEX TESTIMONEE SCOTT BRASH WINS THE CPKC ‘INTERNATIONAL’ GRAND PRIX, PRESENTED BY ROLEX, AT THE CSIO SPRUCE MEADOWS ‘MASTERS’ TOURNAMENT 2025
On Sunday 7 September, Rolex Testimonee Scott Brash once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the greatest riders of his generation, claiming victory in the revered CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament 2025. Riding his world-class partner Hello Jefferson, the British rider delivered a masterful performance against 35 of the sport’s finest athletes, to become the new live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.
Remarkably, the Briton’s victory came 10 years after he made history by becoming the first – and still the only rider to date – to claim the sport’s ultimate prize, the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping. Brash did this by winning three consecutive Rolex Grand Slam Majors at the CHI Geneva in 2014, the CHIO Aachen in 2015 and finally at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament in September 2015.
The CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, is renowned for producing iconic moments in equestrian sport, and Brash’s triumph was no different. The World No. 5 from Scotland once again displayed his exceptional horsemanship, riding with precision and composure under immense pressure. Coming exactly 10 years after his historic Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping victory, the win carried a deeper resonance – serving as a reminder that the sport’s most esteemed achievements are defined not only by the trophies collected, but by the years of dedication, resilience, and partnerships that make them possible.
Leopoldo Palacios’ challenging course saw the 12 best combinations progress from the first round, which, alongside Brash, had clear rounds from four other Rolex Testimonees, namely; Daniel Deusser, Martin Fuchs, Steve Guerdat, and equestrianism’s newest addition to the Rolex family; Sophie Hinners. The second round proved to be an even tougher challenge, and it was Brash and Kyle King from the United States of America who progressed through to contest the jump-off after their scores were tied on just four faults each. Brash and Hello Jefferson were the first to tackle the eight-obstacle jump-off course, and produced a faultless round in a time of 46.97 seconds to claim victory.
This year’s CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament marked the 50th anniversary of the official opening of the world-renowned Spruce Meadows equestrian complex, which staged the inaugural CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament the following year. The CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, has been one of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors since the concepts inception in 2013 – and it is a testament to the central role that Rolex has played in elevating equestrian sport by supporting the world’s finest riders, competitions, and institutions. Alongside Brash, who also won the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, in 2015 and 2016, an additional five Rolex Testimonees have also won the title, including Martin Fuchs (2023, 2024), Daniel Deusser (2022), Steve Guerdat (2021), Jeroen Dubbeldam (2010) and Rodrigo Pessoa (2000, 2001).
Reflecting on his victory 10 years on from winning the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, Brash commented: “It feels amazing to be the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender once again. To win here in Spruce Meadows, on its 50th anniversary, with [Hello] Jefferson, means everything to me. I am absolutely thrilled, it has been a very special day.”
When speaking on his talented mount, Hello Jefferson, Brash added: “I think our victory today shows that you need an experienced horse to jump around the challenging CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex course, and that the horse and rider need to have an excellent partnership. I have a great partnership with [Hello] Jefferson – we know each other very well. I feel as if we have been a bit unlucky here in the last few years, but I have always thought that [Hello] Jefferson is capable of being able to win the class – so to actually achieve it feels incredible.”
The CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, also featured strong performances from fellow Rolex Testimonees, particularly Steve Guerdat, a three-time Major winner in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping era, who claimed third place aboard Venard De Cerisy. This is a remarkable achievement for the Swiss rider, as he continues his journey returning to the top level of the sport following injury earlier this year.
Following the conclusion of the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament for 2025, the equestrian world now turns its attention to the CHI Geneva in December. All eyes will be on Brash as he continues his pursuit of a historic second Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping title. The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is awarded to any rider who claims victory in three consecutive Rolex Grand Slam Majors, namely; The Dutch Masters, the CHIO Aachen, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, and the CHI Geneva.