CHI GENEVA 2024: A FITTING CONCLUSION TO A SEASON OF SUCCESS
The Concours Hippique International de Genève (the CHI Geneva) returns from 11–15 December, uniting the world's best show jumpers in the iconic Palexpo Arena. Taking place in Geneva, home to the show's Presenting Sponsor, Rolex, the CHI Geneva features two of the season's most anticipated competitions: the Rolex International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) Top 10 Final; and the Rolex Grand Prix, the final event of the calendar year in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.
For almost 70 years, Rolex has cultivated an enduring legacy with the elite world of equestrianism, and the Swiss watchmaker is now a major presence at play behind the finest riders, competitions and institutions. The brand has been the Presenting Sponsor of the CHI Geneva since 1995 – this long-term partnership epitomizes the brand's contribution to excellence in equestrianism, encouraging modernization while respecting the tradition and elegance of the sport.
The 2024 edition of the show will culminate on Sunday 15 December with the Rolex Grand Prix, a competition renowned for its testing course in what is often considered to be the world's biggest indoor equestrian arena. Horse and rider combinations must perform with great harmony as they work as a team to conquer one of the sport's most demanding challenges. To capture this prestigious class, competitors must push the boundaries of their abilities, and display the highest levels of precision, bravery and athleticism – essential qualities required of both horse and rider to compete and win at this level.
The CHI Geneva is one of the four equestrian Majors – the others being The Dutch Masters, the CHIO Aachen and the CSIO Spruce Meadows 'Masters' Tournament – that make up the sport's ultimate prize, the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, which rewards the rider who wins, consecutively, the Grand Prix at three of these events. Following the CHIO Aachen and the CSIO Spruce Meadows 'Masters' Tournament, which both take place on large turf fields, the CHI Geneva's unique indoor setting, with its intense enclosed atmosphere, presents a different challenge.
Swiss rider and Rolex Testimonee Martin Fuchs once again returns to his home Major as the live contender of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping following his back-to-back victory in the CPKC 'International' Grand Prix, presented by Rolex at the CSIO Spruce Meadows 'Masters' Tournament 2024. Fuchs is also the only rider to have achieved consecutive Rolex Grand Prix wins at the CHI Geneva, doing so in 2019 and 2021, and will be hoping to continue his quest for the sport's most coveted prize, a feat thus far only achieved by fellow Rolex Testimonee Scott Brash.
Looking ahead to his home Major, Fuchs commented:"Competing at the CHI Geneva is very special and winning in 2019 and 2021 was just an extraordinary feeling. Being Swiss myself, it is always very special riding in a Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major in front of my home crowd. The CHI Geneva is my home show which can add a lot of pressure, however being able to perform at my best with this pressure and win in front of my family, friends, and team, really gives me additional motivation to try to perform at my best."
The Rolex Grand Prix has been won by some of the most famous names in the sport, including six additional Rolex Testimonees. Rolex's newest equestrian Testimonee, Richard Vogel, added his name to the exclusive list of riders to have triumphed at the venue when he won the Rolex Grand Prix in 2023. In doing so, he claimed his first Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major.
Defending champion of the Rolex Grand Prix, Vogel stated: "To win the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva was a dream come true. The atmosphere there is amazing and something unique to our sport. The size of the arena and the incredible facilities make it one of the best shows in the world. It is a privilege to now be part of the Rolex family, and I am hoping to repeat last year's victory."
Photo: Rolex/Ashley Neuhof