Thousands of passionate spectators gathered inside the Brabanthallen to witness the Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters on Sunday afternoon. The indoor arena, framed by vibrant floral arrangements and the unmistakable energy of a knowledgeable crowd, created a setting where precision and partnership were on full display, and it was Rolex Testimonee Richard Vogel riding United Touch S who rose to the occasion. The German delivered a standout performance to claim the event’s feature class in one of the most exacting challenges in the discipline. Throughout the four-day event, from Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 March, the sport’s leading combinations showcased dedication and commitment in their pursuit of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.
Reflecting on what it means to win on one of the sport’s greatest stages, Vogel said:
“When you come to a Rolex Major, you know the Rolex Grand Prix is always one of the toughest tests of the year. These events are really the pinnacle of our sport. When he [United Touch S] is having a good day like this, leaving out strides and turning tight, he is very difficult to beat.”
The Rolex Grand Prix demanded the utmost composure and precision from both horse and rider, with a course that reflected the technical nature of the compact arena while remaining fair throughout. The challenging track saw 11 combinations progress from the first round, which, alongside Vogel, included clear rounds from three further Rolex Testimonees: Kent Farrington, Martin Fuchs and Sophie Hinners. After Farrington and Hinners each incurred penalties in the jump-off, it was Vogel who delivered the decisive performance, producing a faultless round over the nine-fence course in 39.42 seconds to secure his maiden The Dutch Masters crown.
This year’s event was particularly significant for Hinners, who made her competitive debut, securing a clear round and being placed seventh following the jump-off. Discussing what it meant to compete at The Dutch Masters, having recently joined the Rolex family, Hinners said:
“It always feels very special seeing the Rolex clocks. It makes you feel part of something bigger, and now, as a new Testimonee, it feels even more meaningful. It connects me to the history of the sport and to the Rolex family. Every time I’m at a Rolex event, I feel inspired and motivated to improve.”
Rolex has championed excellence at The Dutch Masters since 2014, when the Swiss watchmaker became Main Sponsor and Title Sponsor of the Rolex Grand Prix. This year’s edition once again demonstrated why the event occupies such a special place within the international equestrian calendar. Combining world-class sport with a refined sense of occasion, it continues to embody the shared values of tradition, elegance and performance that define Rolex’s enduring commitment to equestrianism, a partnership that dates back to 1957.
With three further Majors still to come in 2026, Vogel now begins his quest for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, the most coveted achievement in the sport. To secure the title, he must win consecutively the Rolex Grand Prix at the next two Majors: ‘TSCHIO’ [CHIO] Aachen and the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament.
The journey turns to ‘TSCHIO’ Aachen in May, where the world’s finest riders and horses will gather in the iconic grass arena for this highly anticipated next chapter in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.
Source: Rolex press release
