Markus Fuchs claims the Grand Prix sponsored by Rolex (VIDEO)
Rolex Testimonee Martin Fuchs delivered a supreme performance to win the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament 2024 to claim a back-to-back victory. Competing against the world’s top show jumpers, Fuchs and his grey gelding, Leone Jei, triumphed after three demanding rounds, defending their title and becoming the new Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender.
Regarded as one of the sport’s toughest challenges, the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex demands the greatest levels of precision, agility, and excellence from both horse and rider. Fuchs and Leone Jei exhibited these qualities in abundance, navigating each round with remarkable skilfulness to secure the coveted title.
Out of 38 starters, the top 12 progressed to the second round, including Rolex Testimonees and previous victors of the title – Steve Guerdat in 2021 and Daniel Deusser in 2022. Rolex’s newest equestrian Testimonee, Richard Vogel, also advanced to the second round with the fastest four-fault score, alongside Kevin Staut.
Of the 12 who advanced, five jumped clear, with only Martin Fuchs, Darragh Kenny, and Daniel Deusser successfully navigating Leopoldo Palacios’ challenging second-round course to secure the double clears needed for the final jump-off. Fuchs was first to tackle the shortened jump-off course and despite four faults, his final score was enough to secure his fourth Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major title. Kenny, riding VDL Cartello, followed with six faults, while Deusser and Killer Queen VDM finished third with eight faults.
The equestrian world now turns its attention to the CHI Geneva in December, where Fuchs uniquely claimed sequential victories in 2019 and 2021. This year, he will return to his home Major aiming for a third Rolex Grand Prix win at the CHI Geneva, while also continuing his pursuit of the sport’s ultimate challenge – the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. This prestigious prize is awarded to any rider who consecutively wins the Grand Prix at three of the four Majors: The Dutch Masters, the CHIO Aachen, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, and the CHI Geneva.
Results HERE