“We're very excited to have the opportunity to be able to compete in it,” Kraut says about the athletes’ perspective on the Rolex Series. “The Rolex Series unites prestigious venues that have variety, and I feel like they're part of the history of our sport – from Dublin to Dinard to La Baule…” 

“The last week here at the Winter Equestrian Festival has historically always been a big event, but the sponsorship from Rolex and the Grand Prix prize money being increased to $1,000,000 this year is bringing an added element of importance,” Kraut says about the Rolex Series’ first competition of 2026. “I think myself and all my fellow competitors are really targeting that Saturday night. The crowd here is enormous and the atmosphere is so electric. It's probably one of the most exciting events of the year. Wellington International has done a great job over the last 15 years of creating a fan base and the people who come to watch understand how important the Rolex Grand Prix is.”