Simon Delestre writes history in Rolex Grand Prix of ‘s-Hertogenbosch

For the first time in the rich history of the Rolex Majors, the iconic cup goes to France. Simon Delestre, as the last starter in the three-horse jump-off, strategically steered his Cayman Jolly Jumper to victory. Delestre thus beat British Rolex legend Scott Brash and Brazilian Yuri Mansur in front of a fantastic crowd.

Course builder Louis Konickx had laid down a Rolex Grand Slam-worthy one: ‘We have the best riders here, the best horses ánd the best sponsor in the world. My job is to design a course that reflects that level.’

Delestre: ‘Cayman is the horse of my life’
‘It was a very delicate course with really everything in it. Rolex Grand Slam-worthy! A class where you needed a horse with energy and power, exactly like Cayman Jolly Jumper. He is really incredible, I have never ridden a horse like him before. Today he showed his worth.’

Brash and Mansur battle to the end
Scott Brash, the only rider ever to win the Rolex Grand Slam, also held good cards for the Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters. His Hello Chadora Lady jumped fantastically, but Brash regretted his own error of judgement: ‘I should have taken an extra canter jump to the vertical. She is fast enough, I put too much pressure on myself. I'm overjoyed with her, but disappointed in myself.’
Brazilian Yuri Mansur was the first to cross the finish line clear and went into the jump-off confidently with Miss Blue-Saint Blue Farm. His all-or-nothing approach worked out almost perfectly, but on the very last obstacle a pole still fell. ‘As the first rider you have to take risks, especially when you know Simon and Scott still have to ride,’ the Brazilian was at peace with his tactics.

Harrie Smolders cannot cash in on top form
Just outside the jump-off was Pieter Devos, who stayed clear but suffered a time fault with Casual DV Z. Kent Farrington finished fifth as the fastest four-faulter with Toulayna. Harrie Smolders, winner of the Rolex Grand Prix in Geneva, was hoping for a double for his own audience, but a fault with Monaco kept him out of the jump-off. With sixth place, he was the best Dutch combination. The same result was recorded by Peder Fredricson, who finished seventh with Catch Me Not S. Best lady rider was Laura Kraut, who came eighth with Baloutinue. She was closely followed by Julien Epaillard on Donatello d'Auge and Abdel Saïd on Bonne Amie, who completed the top ten.