PRESS RELEASE

THE WORLD’S BEST RIDERS RETURN TO THE CHI GENEVA TO CONTEST THE ROLEX IJRC TOP 10 FINAL AND THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX

Geneva, Switzerland, 9 December 2019 – From 12–15 December, two of the most prestigious competitions on the show jumping calendar, the Rolex Grand Prix and the Rolex International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) Top 10 Final, will take place in the Palexpo arena at the Concours Hippique International de Genève (CHIG).

ROLEX GRAND PRIX On Sunday 15 December, an elite field of international riders will contest the year’s final Major, the CHIG Rolex Grand Prix, which forms part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. They will compete on a typically imposing course created by world-renowned designers Gérard Lachat of Switzerland and Louis Konickx of The Netherlands.

A founding supporter of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping in 2013, Rolex is a partner to all four constituent Majors, each one endowed with its own unique history. The Rolex Grand Slam is arguably the most coveted prize in show jumping, awarded to the rider who wins three consecutive Grand Prix at these events. It is also one of the most challenging, requiring unparalleled displays of courage, determination and precision. Rolex Testimonee of Great Britain is the only person to have achieved the feat to date, starting with victory at the CHIG in 2014, followed by further triumphs at the CHIO and the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ in 2015.

The partnership between Rolex and the CHIG is a key element of the brand’s long-standing commitment to equestrianism that dates back more than 60 years. Inaugurated in 1926, the event is among the most esteemed in the equestrian world, where the relentless pursuit of excellence – by horse and rider combinations and the event organizers – fits perfectly with Rolex’s own quest for outstanding performance in everything it does.

ROLEX TESTIMONEES After highly successful seasons, Rolex Testimonees and Martin Fuchs have both already qualified to contest in the CHIG Rolex Grand Prix. The Swiss riders currently lead the world rankings, Guerdat at No. 1, Fuchs at No. 2, and will endeavour to continue this form in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. Crowned the European champion earlier this year, and second place to Guerdat in the FEI Jumping World CupTM Finals, Fuchs will be a formidable opponent for his compatriot. Guerdat, a three-time winner of the CHIG Rolex Grand Prix (2006, 2013 and 2015), who was also victorious in the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final in 2010 and 2018, said: “Competing in the

1/4 THE WORLD’S BEST RIDERS RETURN TO THE CHI GENEVA TO CONTEST THE ROLEX IJRC TOP 10 FINAL AND THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX final Major of the year is always a fantastic experience, particularly as it is hosted in my home country. Entering the arena to the eruption of support from such a patriotic crowd is a feeling like none other, and I can’t wait for the 2019 edition.”

Joining these riders will be Canada’s , in a bid to repeat his 2008 victory in Geneva. Aiming to set his sights on the top honours will be Kent Farrington of the United States, winner of the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen this year and the CHIG in 2017. Brash and France’s Kevin Staut, winner of the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIG in 2010, will be joined by Rolex’s newest Testimonee, Britain’s Harry Charles as they also look to contest the Rolex Grand Prix in Geneva. Dutch rider , former World and European champion, and Rolex’s longest-standing equestrian Testimonee, Brazilian , who won the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIG in 1993, 2000, 2002 and 2004, will be hoping to complete the strong roster of Testimonees competing.

ROLEX IJRC TOP 10 FINAL At the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final, the world’s top 10 riders are invited to compete against one another. This unique concept, supported by Rolex since its inauguration in 2001, acknowledges the achievements of the best show jumpers over the course of the season, and has established itself as a highlight of the equestrian calendar.

Guerdat will contest the 19th edition of the event as World No. 1 and reigning champion, having ridden his horse Alamo to victory over two faultless rounds last year. His success was the fifth in a row for Rolex Testimonees, following in the footsteps of Brash, Farrington, Lamaze and Staut. He will defend his title against fellow Testimonees Fuchs and Farrington, along with other members of show jumping’s elite group of riders.

IJRC Director, Eleonora Ottaviani comments: “We are extremely proud to hold our unique event at the CHI Geneva for the 15th time, one of the most iconic shows worldwide. Similar to the ATP Finals in tennis, the Top 10 Final is unrivalled in equestrian sport. It is a privilege to be associated with Rolex, a brand that continuously demonstrates its commitment to equestrianism, providing fundamental support and developing its long-standing success.”

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NOTES TO EDITORS

ROLEX GRAND PRIX PREVIOUS WINNERS

2018 (GER), Pret A Tout 2017 Kent Farrington (USA), Gazelle 2016 Pedro Veniss (BRA), Quabri de L’Isle 2015 Steve Guerdat (SUI), Nino des Buissonnets 2014 Scott Brash (GBR), Hello Sanctos 2013 Steve Guerdat (SUI), Nino des Buissonnets 2012 Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS), Cevo Itôt du Château 2011 Alvaro de Miranda Neto (BRA), AD Ashleigh Drossel Dan 2010 Kevin Staut (FRA), Silvana*HDC 2008 Eric Lamaze (CAN), Hickstead 2007 (GER), All Inclusive NRW 2006 Steve Guerdat (SUI), Jalisca Solier 2005 Thomas Frühmann (AUT), The Sixth Sense 2004 Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA), 2003 Thomas Velin (DEN), Equest Carnute

ROLEX IJRC TOP 10 FINAL PREVIOUS WINNERS

2018 Steve Guerdat (SUI), Alamo, (Geneva) 2017 Kevin Staut (FRA), Rêveur de Hurtebise*HDC, (Geneva) 2016 Eric Lamaze (CAN), Fine Lady 5, (Geneva) 2015 Kent Farrington (USA), Voyeur, (Geneva) 2014 Scott Brash (GBR), Hello Sanctos, (Geneva) 2013 Daniel Deusser (GER), Evita van de Veldbalie, (Stockholm) 2012 Christian Ahlmann (GER), Taloubet Z, (Geneva) 2011 Billy Twomey (IRL), Tinka’s Serenade, (Paris) 2010 Steve Guerdat (SUI), Jalisca Solier, (Geneva) 2009 Marcus Ehning (GER), Plot Blue, (Paris) 2008 Michel Robert (FRA), Kellemoi de Pepita, (Brussels) 2007 Jessica Kürten (IRL), Castle Forbes Libertina, (Geneva) 2006 Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER), Shutterfly, (Geneva) 2005 Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA), Baloubet du Rouet, (Geneva) 2004 Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER), Shutterfly, (Geneva) 2003 Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA), Baloubet du Rouet, (Geneva)

(Names in bold denote Rolex equestrian Testimonee)

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ABOUT ROLEX An unrivalled reputation for quality and expertise

Rolex, a Swiss watch manufacture headquartered in Geneva, is recognized the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products. Its Oyster Perpetual and Cellini watches, all certified as Superlative Chronometers for their precision, performance and reliability, are symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. The word “Perpetual” is inscribed on every Rolex Oyster. But more than just a word on a dial, it is a philosophy that embodies the company’s vision and values. Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of the company, instilled a notion of perpetual excellence that would drive the company forward. This led Rolex to pioneer the development of the wristwatch and numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism, invented in 1931. Rolex has registered over 500 patents in the course of its history. A truly integrated and independent manufacturing company, Rolex designs, develops and produces in-house the essential components of its watches, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Furthermore, Rolex is actively involved in supporting the arts and culture, sport and exploration, as well as those who are devising solutions to preserve the planet.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE www.rolex.com

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