The 2025 Brussels Stephex Masters reached a sensational climax on Sunday, August 31, with the Rolex Grand Prix presented by Audi delivering one of the most dramatic finales in the history of the Rolex Series. Fifty of the world’s finest horse-and-rider combinations took on a course of 14 obstacles and 17 efforts, carefully designed by Gregory Bodo to test every ounce of scope, precision, and bravery. With a time allowed of just 83 seconds, the challenge promised no mercy — and it lived up to the expectation.

A tense first round

The opening riders immediately showed how demanding the track would be. Canada’s Kyle Timm and Casino Calvin were first to enter and clipped a rail at the Rolex triple combination. Chile’s Jorge Matte Capdevila (Chaccoletto) followed, but a refusal at the double forced him to retire. Belgian hopes soared with Thibeau Spits and Impress-K van’t Kattenheye Z, yet heartbreak struck when the very last oxer fell, leaving the home crowd in stunned silence. Moments later, Italy’s Riccardo Pisani suffered the exact same fate, intensifying the tension inside the arena.

For what felt like an eternity, no rider could break the code of Bodo’s track. Faults kept coming, particularly at the Rolex triple — a true heartbreaker of the afternoon. The first round became a battle of resilience, with only the fastest four-fault riders keeping hopes alive for Round Two.

The breakthrough came at last with Great Britain’s Harry Charles aboard Sherlock. Riding with composure and confidence, the 25-year-old posted the first clear round in 80.68 seconds, triggering a roar of relief from the crowd. From that moment, the dam broke: Trevor Breen (IRL), Luciana Diniz (BRA), and the young French star Nina Mallevaey with Dynastie de Beaufour all delivered flawless rides, proving the course was conquerable.

The Belgian crowd finally had its hero when Gregory Wathelet lit up the Grand Place Arena with a spectacular clear in 78.09, one of the fastest of the day. Switzerland’s Christian Ahlmann and Mexico’s Andres Azcarraga also added their names to the exclusive list. By the end of the round, just seven riders were clear, joined by the five fastest four-faulters, setting up a 12-combination showdown for the second round.

A second round full of drama

Petronella Andersson (SWE) and Olympic van’t Merelsnest opened the final phase with a superb clear to set the standard. But mistakes followed quickly: Jason Smith (SUI), Steve Guerdat (SUI), Gilles Thomas (BEL), and Christian Ahlmann (GER) all faltered, leaving the door open for the remaining contenders.

Harry Charles, the man who had broken the deadlock in Round One, produced a double clear in 42.75 seconds to claim the lead. Mexico’s Andres Azcarraga was also flawless and slotted into second. Then came Nina Mallevaey. Already a revelation throughout the week, the 25-year-old French Champion rode Dynastie de Beaufour with speed and precision, attacking every turn. The crowd held its breath as she stopped the clock in 40.75 seconds — nearly two seconds faster than Charles — to seize the lead in spectacular fashion.

Belgian hopes rested on Grégory Wathelet, last to go with the entire arena behind him. Delivering a brilliant round, he crossed the finish in 41.71, good enough for second but just shy of Nina’s incredible time.

Final podium — Rolex Grand Prix presented by Audi

🥇 Nina Mallevaey (FRA) & Dynastie de Beaufour — 40.75
🥈 Grégory Wathelet (BEL) & BOND JAMESBOND DE HAY— 41.71
🥉 Harry Charles (GBR) & Sherlock — 42.75

A star is born

In front of a passionate Brussels crowd, under heavy rain and a wall of emotion, Nina Mallevaey achieved the greatest victory of her young career. Her triumph not only crowned an extraordinary week but also cemented her status as one of the brightest rising stars of international show jumping.

With Belgium celebrating a home podium, the Rolex Series signed off its 2025 season in unforgettable style. The Rolex Grand Prix presented by Audi will be remembered as a contest of courage and brilliance — and the moment Nina Mallevaey etched her name in history.