PRESS RELEASE

CHIO HOSTS THE SECOND MAJOR OF THE YEAR

RIDERS COMPETE TO BE CROWNED CHAMPION OF THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX

11 July 2018, Aachen, Germany – From 13 to 22 July the world’s top international riders will travel to West Germany to showcase their talents to over 360,000 spectators as they compete in the second Major of the year, the Rolex Grand Prix, at the spectacular CHIO Aachen.

The heart of equestrian sport beats at this magnificent venue, showcasing , , , driving and vaulting. This breathtaking nine-day event is known as the best equine sporting competition in the world and a highlight of the annual equestrian calendar.

The focal point of the competition, the Rolex Grand Prix, will take place on Sunday 22 July. As part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, CHIO Aachen hosts the second Major of 2018 in the main jumping arena, a stunning setting that accommodates over 40,000 passionate supporters. Widely acknowledged as one of the most demanding show jumping courses in the world, the Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen epitomizes show jumping, and is the show against which all others are measured.

The most recent addition to the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, The Dutch Masters, held in March, saw Belgium’s Niels Bruynseels triumph. Revelling in his success, Bruynseels will be hoping to maintain his position as the live contender for the premier contest. “Aachen is the next stop in my journey, and of course one of my number one goals right now is to go there and win,” Bruynseels affirmed.

the rolex grand slam of show jumping The first Major of the year took place in ‘s-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands, where 11,500 fans gathered to witness this new addition to the Rolex Grand Slam prize. Bright lights illuminated the beautiful indoor arena, for the highlight of the event, the Rolex Grand Prix. Now all eyes will turn to CHIO Aachen for a contrasting competition, held in one of the greatest outdoor arenas, on grass.

A monumental challenge for the horse and rider combinations, the Majors require perfect performances in order to reach the final stage. World-renowned course designer, Frank Rothenberger, creates the imposing, technical course seen each year in the Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen. His course will demand faultless precision, courage and determination from all competitors as they contend for the highly sought-after victory.

1/4 CHIO AACHEN HOSTS THE SECOND MAJOR OF THE YEAR - RIDERS COMPETE TO BE CROWNED CHAMPION OF THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX

The greatest riders from all over the world will be heading to CHIO Aachen with the goal of being crowned champion. With one Major success already this year, spectators will keep a close watch on Bruynseels to see if he can continue his winning streak.

ROLEX TESTIMONEES AT CHIO AACHEN World number eight Steve Guerdat is aiming for victory at CHIO Aachen. Having recently triumphed at CHI Royal Windsor in the Rolex Grand Prix, the Swiss hero is at the top of his game and will be a formidable contender.

The first and only rider to ever win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, Britain’s Scott Brash, and 2016 Olympic Team gold medallist Kevin Staut (FRA), are also set to compete at CHIO Aachen. Joining them will be the masterful Canadian Eric Lamaze and Swiss rider Martin Fuchs, Rolex’s newest equestrian Testimonee.

The passionate and knowledgeable home crowd will be eager to welcome their national heroes, Rolex Testimonees and champion riders Meredith Michaels- Beerbaum and Isabell Werth. Winner of the 2005 Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen, Michaels-Beerbaum, an inspiring and courageous show jumper, will no doubt have the full support of the grandstand driving her to repeat this victory once again. The incomparable Isabell Werth is one of the most decorated dressage riders. Her World Dressage Champion title and six Olympic gold medals are just two of her many illustrious achievements. This year, spectators will have the pleasure of seeing Werth compete in the 5* Dressage Grand Prix, as she aims to win her twelfth Aachen Grand Prix title.

SHARED VALUES IN EQUESTRIAN SPORT CHIO Aachen was inaugurated in 1924 and has exhibited phenomenal equestrian sport ever since. The year 2018 marks 10 years since the show extended to nine days of thrilling competitions, highlighting its distinguished history and commitment to the sport.

The enduring relationship between Rolex and CHIO Aachen was formed in 1999 and has gone from strength-to-strength throughout the years. Show Director, Frank Kemperman said: “We are extremely proud of the partnership between Rolex and CHIO Aachen. We feel privileged to be associated with such a prestigious and iconic brand, which has stood behind equestrian sport for over 60 years and provided fundamental support to foster its development and long-term success.” endS

2/4 CHIO AACHEN HOSTS THE SECOND MAJOR OF THE YEAR - RIDERS COMPETE TO BE CROWNED CHAMPION OF THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX

NOTES TO EDITORS

ROLEX EQUESTRIAN HERITAGE Rolex’s support of show jumping dates back more than 60 years. This close and enduring commitment demonstrates appreciation for a domain where tradition and excellence highlight superior skill, precision and achievement. From Pat Smythe, the greatest female show jumper ever to represent Britain and Rolex’s first equestrian Testimonee in 1957, to Scott Brash, the only rider in history to achieve the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping title in September 2015, Rolex continues to champion riders in the three Olympic disciplines of show jumping, dressage and eventing.

ABOUT ROLEX Rolex, a Swiss watch manufacture headquartered in Geneva, is recognized the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products. Its Oyster and Cellini watches, all certified as Superlative Chronometers for their precision, performance and reliability, are symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. Founded by Hans Wilsdorf in 1905, the brand pioneered the development of the wristwatch and is at the origin of numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.rolex.com invented in 1931. Rolex has registered over 400 patents in the course of its history.

ROLEX EQUESTRIANISM PRESS ROOM: A truly integrated and independent manufacturing company, Rolex designs, develops https://pressroom.rolex.com/en/sports- and produces in-house all the essential components of its watches, from the casting and-culture/partnership-activities/rolex-and- of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, equestrianism-news.html case, dial and bracelet. Through philanthropic programmes and a broad palette of MEDIA CONTACTS: sponsorship activities, Rolex is also actively involved in supporting the arts, sports Virginie Chevailler Rolex SA and exploration, and encourages the spirit of enterprise, as well as the conservation [email protected] of natural environments. +41 22 302 26 19

Merrick Haydon Revolution Sports [email protected] +44 7748 186 833

3/4 CHIO AACHEN HOSTS THE SECOND MAJOR OF THE YEAR - RIDERS COMPETE TO BE CROWNED CHAMPION OF THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX

rolex grand prix previous winners

2017 Gregory Wathelet (BEL), Coree

2016 Philipp Weishaupt (GER), LB Convall

2015 Scott Brash (GBR), Hello Sanctos

2014 Christian Ahlmann (GER), Codex One

2013 Nick Skelton (GBR), Big Star

2012 Michael Whitaker (GER), GIG Amai

2011 Janne-Friederike Meyer (GER), Cellagon Lambrasco

2010 Eric Lamaze (CAN), Hickstead

2009 Denis Lynch (IRL), Lantinus

2008 Albert Zoer (NED), Sam

2007 Elizabeth Madden (USA), Authentic

2006 Marcus Ehning (GER), Noltes Küchengirl

2005 Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER), Shutterfly

*Names in bold denote Rolex equestrian Testimonees

4/4