ROLEX TESTIMONEE RICHARD VOGEL CLAIMS THE CROWN AT HOME IN AACHEN

Aachen, 25 May 2026 – As the sun beamed down on Germany’s majestic Hauptstadion arena yesterday afternoon, the Rolex Grand Prix concluded an enthralling TSCHIO Aachen. Thousands watched on as the world’s elite horse and rider combinations bid for a faultless time on the hallowed turf. Rolex Testimonees Sophie Hinners and Richard Vogel delivered three spectacular clear rounds in front of their home crowd to make the final three in the jump-off, before Vogel clinched victory aboard United Touch S in 45.57 seconds. His remarkable, composed display earned him the second chapter of the 2026 Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, a competition which challenges the most talented equestrians to capture three consecutive Major wins. After triumphing at The Dutch Masters, and now having prevailed at Aachen, Vogel stands just one victory away from this historic feat.

ROLEX TESTIMONEE RICHARD VOGEL GREETS THE GERMAN FANS AFTER WINNING THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX WITH UNITED TOUCH S IN AACHEN
ROLEX TESTIMONEE RICHARD VOGEL GREETS THE GERMAN FANS AFTER WINNING THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX WITH UNITED TOUCH S IN AACHEN - 打开lightbox

Vogel described what it meant to win at Aachen:

 

“It was very very emotional. It’s not every day that I cry but this was a good reason to have tears in my eyes. It has been a childhood dream to win the Rolex Grand Prix at Aachen and of course when you enter the arena as the live contender [for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping] you don’t want to go for third or second place. There was some quite some pressure on United Touch S and me, but the crowd gave us wings and were really a part of making this happen.”
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The journey to the crown at Aachen is one like no other. From the quiet sanctuary of the tunnel, where there is a profound sense of intensity and anticipation, the sport’s heroes emerge onto equestrian’s grandest stage. It was here, from Friday 22 to Sunday 24 May, that members of the Rolex family reunited with their trusted partners to the delight of the fans. Martin Fuchs returned to the scene of his 2025 victory riding Conner Jei for this edition, while Vogel and United Touch S showcased their adaptability between surfaces at the highest level, and Hinners demonstrated why she has affectionately become known as the Queen of Clear Rounds riding Iron Dames Singclair.

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Hinners, who joined the Rolex family in 2025, reflected:

 

“I feel very grateful and so proud of Iron Dames Singclair. He was fighting to go clear until the end. As a German, it feels even more incredible to compete at home in Aachen – it was the venue of my first 5* Grand Prix, the Rolex Grand Prix [in 2021]. To finish on the podium here is a dream come true.”

 

Discussing how it felt to compete here for the first time with the Swiss watchmaker by her side, Hinners added:

 

“Every time I’m at a Rolex event, I feel inspired and motivated to improve. Seeing the clocks makes you feel part of something bigger and, now, as a new Testimonee, it feels even more meaningful. To be part of such a remarkable group of athletes and inspiring people is something I’m very proud of.”
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Rolex has been a steadfast supporter of achievement in equestrian sport since 1957, with the Swiss watchmaker’s clocks first gracing the arena at Aachen in 1999. Further reinforcing its commitment to this prestigious event, Rolex stepped up to Title Sponsor of its pinnacle class, the Rolex Grand Prix in 2007. As a lasting reminder of his precision, speed and skill which lit up the spiritual home of equestrianism, Rolex awarded Vogel an Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41 during the prize-giving ceremony. This moment preceded an Aachen tradition dating back decades when a sea of white handkerchiefs waved goodbye to the show and promised its return next year.

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The pursuit of excellence is constant in the equestrian world and behind the scenes preparations are already well under way for the next stop on Rolex’s Major calendar, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament from Tuesday 8 to Sunday 13 September. Scott Brash, a record three-time winner of the event will return as the defending champion, with fond memories of Calgary, Canada. After all, it was here that he became the only rider to conquer the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – a milestone which his fellow Rolex Testimonee Vogel now has firmly in his sight.

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