PRESS RELEASE WORLD’S ELITE RIDERS RETURN TO ROME FOR THE ROLEX GRAN PREMIO Geneva, Switzerland, 24 May 2021 – The world’s elite show jumping riders will once again gather in the Eternal City from 26–30 May to contest the CSIO Roma Piazza di Siena. The stunning gardens of Villa Borghese in the heart of the Italian capital, widely regarded as one of the sport’s most beautiful venues, will host five days of world-class competition, culminating in the Rolex Gran Premio on the Sunday. The spectacular setting is steeped in equestrian history. Equestrian events were first held at Piazza di Siena in 1922 and it became the permanent home of the CSIO Roma in 1929, three years after the International Equestrian Federation added the event to its calendar. In 2018, the 18th century oval was returfed, returning it to its original splendour. That year also heralded a new chapter in the show’s distinguished history, with Rolex becoming the Official Timekeeper. Rolex has been a committed supporter of equestrianism for more than 60 years, the relationship permeating all levels of the sport. The Swiss watch manufacturer partners all four equestrian Majors – The Dutch Masters, CHIO Aachen, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament and CHI Geneva – along with other esteemed competitions that grace the show jumping season. ROLEX TESTIMONEES HEADING TO THE ETERNAL CITY The Rolex Gran Premio at CSIO Roma Piazza di Siena is renowned for presenting an exacting challenge to competitors. As always, Uliano Vezzani, the course designer since 2000, has prepared a demanding layout, requiring precision and boldness from horse and rider. World No. 1 Steve Guerdat leads an illustrious field that includes several fellow Rolex Testimonees. The Swiss rider, individual jumping champion at the London 2012 Olympic Games, will be looking to add another title to his long list of honours, which includes multiple Rolex Grand Prix victories, including at CHI Geneva (2006, 2013, 2015) and the Royal Windsor Horse Show (2018). His fellow contenders include Eric Lamaze of Canada, the Grand Prix champion in Rome in 2011 and 2014, and current World No. 3 Martin Fuchs, seeking to emulate his uncle, Markus Fuchs, who won the Grand Prix here in 2001. 1/3 WORLD’S ELITE RIDERS RETURN TO ROME FOR THE ROLEX GRAN PREMIO American Kent Farrington is currently ranked World No. 7 and will be aiming to reproduce the form that earned him Rolex Grand Prix victories at CHI Geneva in 2017 and CHIO Aachen in 2019. In close pursuit will be World No. 8 Scott Brash, the only rider to have lifted the coveted Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping trophy for winning three consecutive Grand Prix at the Major events. Rolex’s longest standing equestrian Testimonee, Brazilian rider Rodrigo Pessoa, winner in Rome in 2009, will be joined by the youngest member of the Rolex family, Britain’s Harry Charles who will be looking to make his mark in such respected company. Completing the roster of Rolex Testimonees will be: Kevin Staut, of France, winner of the team gold medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games; Ireland’s Bertram Allen, who will hope to go one better than his second-place finish in 2018; and former World and European champion and individual Olympic gold medal winner, Jeroen Dubbeldam of the Netherlands. END NOTES TO EDITORS ROLEX GRAND PRIX PREVIOUS WINNERS 2019 *Daniel Bluman (ISR), Ladriano Z 2018 *Lorenzo De Luca (ITA), Halifax van het Kluizebos 2017 Jur Vrieling (NED), VDL Glasgow vh Merelsnest 2016 McLain Ward (USA), HH Azur 2015 Henrik von Eckermann (SWE), Cantinero 2014 Eric Lamaze (CAN), Zigali P S 2013 Nick Skelton (GBR), Big Star 2012 Ludger Beerbaum (GER), Gotha FRH 2011 Eric Lamaze (CAN), Hickstead 2010 McLain Ward (USA), Sapphire 2009 Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA), HH Let’s Fly *Denotes Rolex Grand Prix (Names in bold denote Rolex equestrian Testimonees) 2/3 WORLD’S ELITE RIDERS RETURN TO ROME FOR THE ROLEX GRAN PREMIO ABOUT ROLEX An unrivalled reputation for quality and expertise Rolex is an integrated and independent Swiss watch manufacture. Headquartered in Geneva, the brand is recognized the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products – symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. The movements of its Oyster Perpetual and Cellini watches are certified by COSC, then tested in-house for their precision, performance and reliability. The Superlative Chronometer certification, symbolized by the green seal, confirms that each watch has successfully undergone tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria. These are periodically validated by an independent external organization. The word “Perpetual” is inscribed on every Rolex Oyster watch. 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. In the course of its history, Rolex has registered over 500 patents. At its four sites in Switzerland, the brand designs, develops and produces the majority of its watch components, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and OFFICIAL WEBSITE bracelet. Furthermore, the brand is actively involved in supporting the arts and culture, www.rolex.com sport and exploration, as well as those who are devising solutions to preserve the ROLEX EQUESTRIANISM NEWSROOM planet. https://newsroom.rolex.com/world- of-rolex/rolex-and-sports/rolex-and- equestrianism MEDIA CONTACTS Rolex SA Virginie Chevailler [email protected] +41 (0)22 302 26 19 rEvolution Merrick Haydon [email protected] +44 (0)7748 186 833 3/3.