IHP ROUND OFF - 2022 CHI DE GENEVE by International Horse Press

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21st Rolex IJRC

TOP 10 FINAL

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A Regal Rolex International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) Top 10 Final For Henrik Von Eckermann as King Edward Rides Him To Top Honors

Round-Off The 61st edition of the Concours Hippique International de Genève provided incredible competition on Friday night as the world’s top ten ranked riders competed against each other in the unique Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final. With the Champion determined according to the least faults in the first and second round, and the fastest time in the second round, the pressure was on.

by Simona Diale

n front of an enthusiastic full house, the top three riders in the first round was France’s Simon Delestre and Cayman Jolly Jumper

who closed with the clock stopping at 65.90; Brazil’s Marlon Modolo Zanotelli with Like A Diamond van het Schaeck under the saddle closing at 66.70, and world number one Henrick Von Eckermann stopping

Top 3 Final Ranking

Henrik von Eckermann King Edward

0.00-0.00 | 48.42 sec.

Simon Delestre Cayman Jolly Jumper

0.00-0.00 | 49.35 sec.

Peder Fredricson Catch Me Not S

1.00-0.00 | 57.30 sec.

Click here to watch the Rounds Henrik von Eckermann & King Edward © International Horse Press | ctanierephotographie.com

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Von Eckermann and ‘the king of horses,’ as he calls the talented King Edward, eighth to go in the second round, performed beautifully leaving two riders—Delestre and Zanotelli—with a 48.42 to beat. Though happy with his performance, immediately following his ride, Von Eckermann shared: “I should have gone faster going to the second but last jump… there are two more left to go and they are dangerous. In any case, my horse remains the king of horses. He’s simply amazing.” His horse did remain the king for the night as Zanotelli ‘tried it all to be competitive’ but closed with 48.87 seconds along with a rail down.

“My horse remains the King of horses. He’s simply amazing.”

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the clock at 67.47 aboard the 12-year-old chestnut gelding owned by Dufour Stables Ag.

Delestre and Cayman Jolly Jumper laid down a beautiful ride which brought them second place honors thanks to their 49.35. “Competition here is tough and my horse was great,” said the Frenchman about

Round-Off the royally bred 2012 gelding by Hickstead owned by Go Horses, Philippe Berthol Agriculture. “This is the second time I come in second; I will carry on trying to get to the top of the podium and would like to thank Geneva and the public for their support.” According to Von Eckerman: “Winning this event has always been my dream; this is my fourth time showing and I’ve come in second twice so I am thrilled. I truly cannot describe how I feel, I guess luck was on my side and I can never stop underlining how incredible and fantastic this horse is. I truly do look forward to the future him as he is young, fresh, and full of talent.” The world number one also gave credit to his wife for her support and the owners for giving him the opportunity to be where he is today.

Simon Delestre & Cayman Jolly Jumper © International Horse Press | ctanierephotographie.com

“Competition here is tough and my horse was great,”

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The Swedish flag flew high on the third step of the podium as Olympic Champion Peder Fredricson and Ebba Berglöf’s Catch Me Not S, who closed the first round with a one point time penalty, rode to a beautiful clear round in 57.30 seconds.

“One never knows how things will go because we all try to beat each other and hope the others make mistakes.” “He’s a really quick horse but the rider was slow tonight,” said Fredricson about the 16-year-old grey gelding by Cardento 933. “One never knows how things will go because we all try to beat each other and hope the others make mistakes.”

Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping

planet’s four iconic jumping shows: the CHIO d’Aixla-Chapelle (GER), Spruce Meadows "Masters" de Calgary (CAN), The Dutch Masters de Bois-le-Duc

The fourth and ﬁnal Rolex Grand Slam of

in the sport, awarded to a rider who completes the

(NED) and the CHI de Genève (SUI).

Show Jumping Major of 2022 was held on

impressive feat of winning three consecutive Majors.

To this day, Rolex Testimonee Scott Brash is the only

Sunday, 11. Initiated in 2013, The Rolex Grand

CHI de Genève is one of the competitions of the Rolex

Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Champion, with

Slam of Show Jumping is the most sought-after prize

Grand Slam. The prestigious concept unites the

his historical victory in 2015.

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#Portrait Thank You Clooney!

Clooney 51: We love you! The charming grey champion and his partnerin-wins, Martin Fuchs, come out for a very special retirement ceremony in front of a full house. As the gelding made his ﬁnal farewell, it was virtually impossible not to be moved by the sight of his entourage in tears. "I’d love to be inside his head, but I think he’s delighted to be back here," said Fuchs. "During the warm-up on Thursday, he looked like he was really happy to be back at an arena that he loves. His happiest memory? It has to be today, with the fully deserved welcome that Geneva gave him for his goodbye. Thank you."

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The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping An Electrifying Win For McLain Ward and HH Azur As They Capture The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping in Geneva

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by Simona Diale

ith 40 competitors vying for first place honors, of which thirteen proceeded faultlessly to the jump-off, McLain Ward and HH Azur performed to an amazing ride closing a little over a second McLain Ward & HH Azur Courtesy Rolex Equestrianism Ofﬁcial Website www.rolex.com

Sunday afternoon at the Palaexpo in Geneva where the CHI de Genève was held, following an emotional goodbye to the horse that made history, Clooney 51, the Rolex Grand Prix held during the CHI de Genève kept the public glued to their seats until the very last horse-rider combination. faster than 2021 winners, Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei, thus capturing their first Major win at the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping in Geneva. “We aspire to these big shows. It’s our life, what we dream,” said Ward who was in Geneva for the first time

30 years ago. “Last year it felt like her [HH Azur] career was coming to an end. She was still carrying a bit of an injury; it was not serious but I was beginning to wonder if this wasn’t going to be her last year before being put out to pasture. As it turned out, it

Round-Off only took a few little changes here and there, particularly with her shoes, for her to get back into Olympic shape. Coming back this year she is incredibly healthy; she had all clear rounds except once for a time fault which was a rider’s error. “Beating any of these guys is a feat. I've had many adventures here, ups and downs, and I have tons of memories. My entourage always loves to come in large numbers because they love this competition. I am so incredibly proud to have won this Rolex Grand Prix.” Challenge Once the action got going confronting the course built by Gérard Lachat, second in the jump-off Daniel Deusser and his amazing Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z was looking to claim his third win at a Major of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. The duo closed with a 42'58, but two horses later, Belgian rising star Gilles Thomas, took full risk and closed almost two seconds ahead.

Top 3 Final Ranking

McLain Ward HH Azur

0.00-0.00 | 38.43 sec.

Martin Fuchs Leone Jei

0.00-0.00 | 39.77 sec.

Shane Sweetnam James Kann Cruz

0.00-0.00 | 40.48 sec.

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Podium © International Horse Press | ctanierephotographie.com

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Photo © International Horse Press | ctanierephotographie.com

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“We aspire to these big shows. It’s our life, what we dream.” Draw 21, Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam set the new bar aboard the Grizmo Partners LLCowned gray gelding by the great stallion Kannan, James Kann Cruz, by stopping the clock at 40’48. Finale With only two combinations left to go after him, Martin Fuchs aboard Leone Jei rode in the Palaexpo arena with a goal: that of winning his third victory in the Rolex Grand Prix in Geneva. The 24-year-old world number two and the talented grey by Baltic VDL owned by Adolfo Giuri did not disappoint as they performed beautifully and with no hesitation to a 39’77. “Goodbye to Clooney was my goal and today’s full of emotion highlight,” said 24year-old Fuchs. “After that, I was focused, tried to go without faults, and as fast as I could. ‘Leone’ always jumps well here and we took all the risks but…McClain had a different idea!” With Daniel Bluman (ISR) and his faithful Ladriano Z closing with a fault at the entry of the double, Fuchs left the door open to Ward and HH Azur who closed the event with a bang. Champions The flashy 16-year-old bay mare by Thunder v. Zuuthoeve, co-owned by Ward and

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Double H Farm, once again showed off her ability to leave the rails up, as she did in the seven Grand Prix competitions during 2022. McLain piloted and she performed, he risked and she played along, he asked her to fly like the wind, and she did. Once they jumped over the final Rolex oxer and galloped past the timeline, a 38’43 appeared on the scoreboard. “She almost jumped me out of my boots,” said a smiling Ward. “She’s a queen, and

Martin Fuchs & Leone Jei Courtesy Rolex Equestrianism | Ofﬁcial Website www.rolex.com

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when she’s out there, she’s a warrior. She’s definitely one of those horses that have changed my life and made a mark on my career, along with Sapphire maybe. “I am thrilled and cannot thank my team enough. [Cayce] Harrison is a great supporter of the sport, and Frank [François Mathy], who discovered HH Azur, is like a father to me. I am very touched by this win that I’ve been dreaming of since I was a youngster—I am touched and

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want to say ‘merci’ to the public in Geneva.” Plans for HH Azur are now to take a well-deserved rest as McLain, his wife Lauren, and daughters Lilly and Madison looked forward to the Christmas holidays. Podium Sweetnam closed riding the third step of the podium aboard the flashy Irish bred grey gelding, James Kann Cruz. “Ireland has bred incredible horses and this gelding’s mother is by Cruising, an incredible stallion who won here in 1998. He definitely passes his personality on passed on to his progeny,” said the Irish rider based in Wellington, FL, where he runs his Sweet Oaks Farm. “This is the biggest result he has obtained in his career and will now get a break. We will then be showing at WEF [Wellington International WEF] and then we will go from there.” Once the amazing Palaexpo lights went down, General

Director Sophie Mottu Morel congratulated all the athletes that took part in the 61st edition of the CHI de Genève where the 2022 edition attracted over 44,000 visitors. Mottu Morel also

Shane Sweetnam & James Kann Cruz Courtesy Rolex Equestrianism Ofﬁcial Website www.rolex.com

announced the dates for the 2023 edition which will be held on December 6-12.

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Marlon Modolo Zanotelli and VDL Edgar M. Take the Trophée de Genève

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by CHI de Genève Press Release

s the first qualifier for the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday, the Trophée de Genève gathered the big names of the international equestrian scene this evening. And true champions also competed in the jump-off, including the reigning World Champion

Impressive Marlon Modolo Zanotelli! After a jump-off with no less than 18 riders, the Brazilian anthem sounded at the end of the first main competition of the 61st CHI Geneva. Marlon Modolo Zanotelli won on his trusty VDL Edgar M. The 13-year-old chestnut left all the competition behind: The pair was more than a second faster than Victor Bettendorf and Mr. Tac! Henrik von Eckermann, the winner of the Rolex Grand Prix 2021 Martin Fuchs and the Olympic Champion Ben Maher... The Swede and the Briton were penalised four points, while the Swiss rider

decided to rather ride a clear jump-off course with his young but promising Commissar Pezi.

Zanotelli & VDL Edgar M. Courtesy CHI de Genève

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The first to put in a perfect ride was Ireland's Shane Sweetnam on James Kann Cruz with a time of 35:26 minutes. After that, it was difficult for the following participants to keep up. They all got stuck in the technical finesse designed by Gérard Lachat. Victor Bettendorf on Mr. Tac, however, remained Victor Bettendorf on Mr. Tac © International Horse Press | ctanierephotographie.com

unimpressed. The Luxembourgian, who has been in very good form all year – he has already achieved 54 international victories – was also inspired in the jump-off this evening. Fluid, fast and confident, he managed to push the best time just under 35 seconds (34'98). Local hero Steve Guerdat wanted to win his 13th competition in Geneva

with Venard de Cerisy and was faster than Bettendorf (34:46), but had bad luck on the oxer La Tuilière, with the exit of the arena in his back... After the brilliant performance of the young Luxembourgian, the victory was only decided with the second last starter. With his VDL Edgar M, Marlon Modolo Zanotelli took his first big win in Geneva, and did so with flying colours. The Brazilian flew over the

Round-Off obstacles, rode a perfect line and was over a second faster than Victor Bettendorf (33'87) in the end. Shane Sweetnam completed the podium of the Trophée de Genève with his equally excellent ride. Marlon Modolo Zanotelli: "It is always very special to be here in Geneva, so this victory is all the more beautiful. I am very proud of Edgar, who has once again shown all his talent. I can only be grateful to him, my owners, my family and my whole environment who make these successes possible. I was certainly lucky to start at the end of the jump-off, as this allowed me to observe the turn options and distances that were in question. So the first seven canter jumps after the first obstacle of the jump-off helped me to get going well, and Edgar also felt more and more comfortable with the left turns. It was maybe a bit of a coincidence that the ridden line was advantageous for me, but my risk also paid off. I am very happy!”

Top 3 Final Ranking

Marlon Modolo Zanotelli VDL Edgar M

0.00-0.00 | 33.87 sec.

Victor Bettendorf Mr. Tac

0.00-0.00 | 34.98 sec.

Shane Sweetnam James Kann Cruz

0.00-0.00 | 35.26 sec.

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FEI Driving World Cup™ presented by RTS

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After succeeding in knocking Australian Boyd Exell off his throne in 2021, Dutch driver Bram Chardon defended his title in the FEI Driving World Cup™ presented by Swiss Radio and Television, an event always eagerly awaited by the Geneva public. After a spectacular jump-off, Bram Chardon kept the better end for himself, beating the German Michael Brauchle and the Belgian Dries Degrieck to the places. by Edited Press Release

Bram Chardon Courtesy CHI de Genève

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“M

y goal is to find my portrait on the wall of the passage to the entrance of the arena at the next edition of the CHIG," he had announced in the runup to his start in Geneva. Bram Chardon fulfilled this mission by winning the

Geneva stage of the World Cup. His portrait, along with those of the other main winners of CHI Geneva 2022, will be on display at Palexpo in 2023! Michael Brauchle, who opened the competition, set the pace from the start by

completing his round in the excellent time of 160.92 seconds. Coming last in yesterday's race, it was important for him to rectify that result today. "I had some problems yesterday," said the

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Dries Degrieck Courtesy CHI de Genève

German. “I made some changes today and was also much more focused.” Defending champion Bram Chardon had a fault in his first run. He said, "As the previous competitors were very fast, I had to try everything! After my mistake, my sister, who was sitting next to me, reacted and through her precise action I was able to limit the damage and still enter the drive-off."

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The Dutch driver, who was more motivated than ever, then showed all his skills to defend his title with flying colours. "The pressure was great, but my team and I give our best in such moments.” Belgium's Dries Degrieck, who had qualified for the jump-off, set a blistering pace on the Palexpo track before falling a little short. "I am aware that I have less experience," he explained. "As this season is only my second in the World Cup, I had to try

everything, and I am very happy with my third place!” Jérôme Voutaz, who was not at all disappointed with his fifth place, was pleased with his horses' performance: "Courses like the one today with long canter lines are not ideal for us. But the course was also designed in such a way that the audience got to see an attractive driving sport, with very close distances between the drivers, which also shows the technical progress of our discipline.”

#Moments

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