Rififi in the world of equestrian sports. Three of the most prestigious and coveted events on the show jumping circuit have joined forces to form a new entity, the “Rolex Grand Slam”, independent of the World Cup. At issue is a brand war between the Swiss watchmaker Rolex, historic partner of world equestrianism, and its competitor Longines, new official sponsor of the FEI (International Equestrian Federation).
The matter is clear. And, dare we say it, precise as a Swiss watch. At the start of the year, Longines signed a 10-year contract with the FEI as title partner of the world ranking. At the same time, the high-end brand of the Swatch group is joining forces with the show jumping World Cup and announcing its arrival, starting next winter, on the new Nations Cup formula.
For Rolex, the blow is severe. The luxury watchmaker maintains a historic relationship with equestrian sports. He has supported their development for many years, attaching his name to that of some of the best riders on the circuit (including the Frenchman Kevin Staut), also becoming official timekeeper of numerous CSIOs.
Faced with the influence of Longines, Rolex took advantage of its last participation in the World Cup final, at the end of April in Gothenburg, to announce its response: the creation of a label in its name, the “Rolex Grand Slam. » A novelty that is already making the world of horse riding salivate. Normal, since this new challenge brings together three legendary show jumping competitions: the CSIO of Aachen in Germany and Calgary/Spruce Meadows in Canada, the CSI of Geneva in Switzerland.
Reduced to a handful of figures, the “Rolex Grand Slam” leaves you speechless: a check for one million euros will be awarded, in addition to the prize money for the various competitions, to the rider winning the three events of the challenge. A bonus of €500 will go into the pocket of the person who wins two consecutively. Finally, a bonus of €000 is promised to any competitor who has registered his or her name on the list of winners in two of the three Grands Prix, regardless of the order.
Another new feature: the rewards will go to the rider, and no longer to the couple, a nuance that allows competitors to change mounts. Finally, the “Rolex Grand Slam” provides for two riders under 25 to participate in each event.
At the risk of further inflating an already difficult to read international calendar, Rolex's initiative is impressive. Firstly, the brand has managed to keep three major events of the season, including the Aachen meeting, where 350 spectators flock each year. Second, by ensuring its three pillars an enviable status on the circuit. Comment from Sophie Mottu Morel, director of the CSI Geneva: “It was not easy for us to leave the World Cup. But this decision, seemingly worrying for the future, should in reality allow us to move forward. As proof, I want the majority of riders to have already assured us of their support for 000." We understand them: with a total endowment of 2013 million Swiss francs (approximately €1,5 million), the next edition of the CSI of Geneva, scheduled for December 1,2, promises to be the best-equipped indoor event in the world.
