Precision Under Pressure at the CSIO Spruce Meadows 'Masters' Tournament
Calgary, 14 September 2026 – With tight lines and jumps standing up to 1.65 metres, yesterday’s CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex challenged forty of the world’s leading horse and rider combinations to their limits at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament. The afternoon was charged with anticipation, as Rolex Testimonee Richard Vogel entered the vast International Arena one win away from completing the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Vogel and United Touch S saw their historic bid come to an end in a six-way jump-off, bringing the German rider’s pursuit of a third consecutive Major to a close.
The crowd gave the partnership a standing ovation, honouring their victories at The Dutch Masters and TSCHIO Aachen earlier this year, as well as Vogel’s two class wins this week. Rolex Testimonee Sophie Hinners, who claimed victory for Germany alongside Vogel in the BMO Nations’ Cup on Saturday, reflected on the particular challenge of Spruce Meadows:
“I don’t think we have another show like this. It starts with the big arena, but the main thing is that the jumps are totally different to what we are normally used to. They are massive, spooky fences – a bit old-style or old-fashioned – but I think that makes the event really special and unique.”
Ben Maher and Enjeu de Grisien triumphed in the pinnacle class, stopping the clock at 41.40 seconds to claim their first Rolex Major victory. Long-standing Rolex Testimonee and the newly crowned individual World Champion, Steve Guerdat secured third place with Albfuhren’s Iashin Sitte. The Swiss rider delivered a faultless performance in the jump-off showcasing his signature precision and skill which has taken him to four Major victories, including to the top of the podium here, at Spruce Meadows in 2021.
This pursuit of excellence reflects the enduring partnership between Rolex and Spruce Meadows. In 1989, the ‘Masters’ became the first show jumping competition partnered by the Swiss watchmaker. Decades later, in 2013, the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix was elevated to a global Major when the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping was created, before Rolex became presenting partner of the pinnacle class in 2014. Rolex Testimonee Scott Brash, who triumphed in this iconic arena to become the first and only rider to achieve the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping in 2015, understands the contributions of the Swiss watchmaker better than most. He said:
“Rolex’s involvement has changed the sport of show jumping considerably. The best horse and rider combinations compete in these four Majors, which every rider wants to win. They have increased the level of competition and brought out the best in our sport.”
The season finale of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping takes place at the CHI Geneva from Wednesday 9 to Sunday 13 December. There, another exacting test will await as the event celebrates its 100th anniversary at the home of the Swiss watchmaker.
