PRESS RELEASE

THE FOREMOST EQUESTRIAN RIDERS CONTEND THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX AT CHI ROYAL WINDSOR

01 May 2018, Windsor, United Kingdom – From 09-13 May, the top equestrian ri- ders in the world will compete at the historic CHI Royal Windsor Horse Show. On the final day, Sunday 13 May, the horse and rider pairs will vie for the event’s greatest award, the highly coveted Rolex Grand Prix.

Some 55,000 spectators will enter the private grounds of Windsor Castle to witness the action, an opportunity available to the public just once a year at this majestic show. The eyes of the equestrian world will focus primarily on defending champion Kent Farrington, a Rolex Testimonee and world number one, who returns to Royal Windsor eager to continue his success at the show and retain the Rolex Grand Prix title for a second consecutive year.

Launched in 1943 as a one-day show and originally known as The Windsor Horse and Dog Show; the backdrop of Royal Windsor is none other than Windsor Castle, giving this horse show a uniquely regal appeal. In 1977 it was extended to five days and continues to grow in size and international prestige. Royal Windsor remains the only show in the United Kingdom to host international competitions in , , driving and endurance. It’s this diversity that makes it especially thrilling.

In 2017, the show jumping at Royal Windsor upgraded to five-star status, with support from Rolex. As Title Sponsor of the Grand Prix and Official Timekeeper at the event, Rolex helps reinforce the show’s emblematic position on the international show ju- mping circuit.

“Royal Windsor Horse Show continues to grow year-on-year,” Simon Brooks-Ward, Director of Royal Windsor Horse Show says. “We are making our mark as one of the best international shows in the world, and we are delighted to have Rolex on board for this journey.”

The 2018 edition is special in that it marks 75 years since the show’s inception. The show will feature a series of displays and exhibitions to commemorate the diamond anniversary. Royal Windsor’s long and distinguished history aligns well with Rolex, who, for more than 60 years has been cultivating an enduring legacy at the pinnacle of , as partner to the finest riders, competitions and institutions. the rolex grand prix An eager 8,000 equestrian spectators will enter through the imperial gates on Sun- day 13 May, keen to witness the most distinguished show jumping pairings tackle the highly anticipated Rolex Grand Prix.

1/3 THE FOREMOST EQUESTRIAN RIDERS CONTEND THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX AT CHI ROYAL WINDSOR HORSE SHOW

The course designer, Bob Ellis, is the mastermind behind many world-class tracks, including at the 2012 London Olympic Games, ensuring the optimal test for horse and rider. “Every year I look forward to returning to such a prestigious show to set the course for the world’s best,” he says. “This year will be a testing challenge for all who enter the famed Castle Arena.” rolex testimonees set to compete at royal wind- sor horse show British hero Scott Brash will compete in the Rolex Grand Prix at Royal Windsor Horse Show, in front of a patriotic home crowd. Brash made history in 2015 by becoming the first and only rider to date to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

“Royal Windsor Horse Show is such a special place to compete,” Brash says. “Not just because it is in front of the British public, but the atmosphere and setting give it the edge over many other events. The British public love show jumping and it’s an honour to ride there.”

Joining Scott Brash at Royal Windsor will be one of the best show jumpers in the world and defending champion Kent Farrington, from the United States. “Windsor is one of my favourite shows,” says Farrington. “The atmosphere is magic and the spectators are especially knowledgeable and appreciative of horses. Now, with Rolex helping to make this a five-star event, it sits among the finest on the international circuit.”

Accomplished Canadian rider Eric Lamaze will join in the action alongside fellow Tes- timonees Bertram Allen, from Ireland, and Swiss champion Steve Guerdat, who was voted Switzerland’s Rider of the Year in 2017.

The crowd will also welcome 2016 Olympic Team gold medallist and 2017 winner of the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final, France’s Kevin Staut. Rolex’s longest-standing Eques- trian Testimonee from Brazil, Rodrigo Pessoa, will complete the Rolex family set to contend this 2018 competition. endS

2/3 THE FOREMOST EQUESTRIAN RIDERS CONTEND THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX AT CHI ROYAL WINDSOR HORSE SHOW

NOTES TO EDITORS

ROLEX EQUESTRIAN HERITAGE Rolex’s support of show jumping dates back more than sixty years. This close and long-standing association 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 eques- trian Testimonee in 1957, to Scott Brash, the only rider in history to win three conse- cutive Majors in the Grand Slam 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 reliabi- lity, 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 in- vented in 1931. Rolex has registered over 400 patents in the course of its history. A truly integrated and independent manufacturing company, Rolex designs, develops and produces in-house all 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. Through philanthropic programmes and a broad palette of sponsorship activities, Rolex is also actively involved in supporting the arts, sports and exploration, and encourages the spirit of enterprise, as well as the conservation of natural environments.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.rolex.com ROLEX GRAND PRIX PREVIOUS WINNERS ROLEX EQUESTRIANISM PRESS ROOM: https://pressroom.rolex.com/en/sports- and-culture/partnership-activities/rolex-and- equestrianism-news.html 2017 Kent Farrington (USA), Sherkan D’Amaury

MEDIA CONTACTS: *Names in bold denote Rolex Equestrian Testimonees Virginie Chevailler Rolex SA [email protected] +41 22 302 26 19

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

3/3