World number one showjumper Scott Brash will be hoping to pick up a €1million (£720,000) bonus on Sunday (13 September) in the final leg of the Rolex Grand Slam at Spruce Meadows — something that has never been done before.
Riding his Olympic gold medal-winning partner Hello Sanctos, owned by Lord and Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham, the top showjumper triumphed in the world famous Aachen grand prix earlier this year.
This victory came on the back of his win at the CHI in Geneva in December which means he can claim a €500,000 (£360,000) bonus for winning two legs in succession simply by taking part in the third and final event in Calgary this weekend.
There was controversy earlier this summer when Scott made the horse unavailable for team selection at the European Championships in Aachen, due to the Rolex Grand Slam.
Scott told H&H it was “not in the horse’s interest” to put him forward for selection.
“Hello Sanctos has now competed in three championships and, unfortunately for everyone, is not getting any younger,” he said.
“Spruce Meadows comes just a short time after the Europeans and it would not be fair on the horse to compete in both competitions.
“The media coverage which this will generate will be in the best interest of British sport.”
Spruce Meadows’ Ian Allison said the venue is both “excited and honoured” to welcome the world’s best riders.
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“This 40th anniversary edition of the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ has an extraordinary number of wonderful story lines, but none more so than that of Scott Brash,” he added.
“There is a reason why Scott is currently the number one ranked rider in the world and in play to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping. He is truly a complete horseman and dedicated athlete, who has put together an impressive résumé very quickly.
“The entire sport should be excited about this historic time. Scott and Hello Sanctos have the opportunity to achieve something that has never been done in our sport.
H&H’s showjumping editor Hannah Lemieux will be travelling to Canada to watch Scott Brash attempt to make history. For full report don’t miss 17 September issue of H&H magazine.
