On Sunday, September 1st, forty-nine pairs competed in the highly anticipated Rolex Grand Prix presented by Audi, a CSIO5* event featuring a 1.60m jump-off that counts towards the prestigious Rolex Series. Grégory Bodo designed a challenging course with fourteen fences and seventeen efforts on the stunning Brussels grass arena.
José María Larocca triumphed, securing the victory for Argentina. With a double clear round and a time of 42.08 seconds, he made the difference. Swiss rider and Rolex Testimonee Steve Guerdat, aboard Dynamix de Belheme, took second place, ahead of Peder Fredricson who rode Alcapone des Carmille.
Joseph Stockdale, aboard Equine Amael Cacharel, was the third rider in the first round and the first to successfully navigate Bodo's technical course. Nine other riders achieved the same feat. Among the twelve pairs qualified for the second round, the two fastest with a fault will also be present. Ben Maher, last year's winner, did not qualify and finished in seventeenth place. Notable qualifiers included Lorenzo De Luca, Steve Guerdat, Kevin Staut, Peder Fredricson, and young rider Emilie Conter from Stephex.
Steve Guerdat quickly took the lead in the provisional standings with a double clear round in 42.15 seconds. Peder Fredricson also delivered a perfect performance in the second round, but his time of 42.53 seconds wasn't enough to top the standings. The audience was captivated by the fluid ride of young Belgian rider Emilie Conter, who, despite a small fault, missed out on a double clear. Ultimately, José María Larocca clinched the Rolex Grand Prix presented by Audi with a clear round in 42.08 seconds, adding his name to the prestigious Rolex Series roster. Meanwhile, Lorenzo De Luca, Joseph Stockdale, Koen Vereecke, and Kevin Staut all finished with four faults each.
©Sportfot for Rolex Series
I love this show; it's truly one of my favorites. The Rolex Series is amazing because it brings together already exceptional events and makes them something truly impressive. When these great shows collaborate, it’s even more incredible, both for the fans and the media, and it really elevates our sport. I’m very happy to have the support of Rolex and the Stephex team. After Paris, I was exhausted, and seeing such dedication makes me realize just how much this sport pushes us to always strive to be better.
The conditions were perfect; it was more than a dream after all these years of experience in equestrian sports. The work that goes into a show of this magnitude is incredible. The number of people involved, Stephan and his team, to make this event what it is, is simply impressive.
It's incredible to see so many top riders here. They push us to keep fighting to be the best and to deliver an even more exceptional show. Thank you to Rolex and Audi for supporting us all these years, and above all, a huge thank you to my team. I'm very proud of them.
The Rolex Series will now take a brief pause before resuming at the Winter Equestrian Festival in March 2025, where the world's best riders and horses will once again strive to make Rolex Series history
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