Scott Brash bids to make history in an ‘extraordinary challenge’

Scott Brash bids to make showjumping history on Sunday (11 December) in the Geneva leg of the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping.

Britain’s leading rider, ranked number 13 in the world, became the first person to win the series in 2015, having won all three grands prix — Geneva, Aachen and Spruce Meadows — in succession riding Hello Sanctos.

Having regained the prestigious CP International grand prix in Calgary this year, this time riding Ursula XII, Scott is now eyeing up a second tilt at the one million euro bonus.

“To win three equestrian majors back-to-back and achieve a second Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping title would be incredible,” he said. “It’s what every rider wants to be a part of. I’m delighted to be back on track and am looking forward to the next chapter in this extraordinary challenge.

“The Rolex Grand Slam has a strong hold on everyone because Aachen, Calgary and Geneva are the three majors that every rider wants to win. Every rider wants to have the opportunity to try to do what not many people have done in history.”

Scott brings Ursula for the Geneva leg of the series.

“She is an exceptional horse. She is unique and it is rare to have two unbelievable horses in your lifetime, but she is certainly one of them,” said Scott. “She was very close at Aachen this year, coming second, but proved she has been good enough to be there or thereabouts so all eyes are on Geneva for her now.

“She started her campaign indoors in October and we have set her up as well as we could for Geneva.”

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Of the three majors that comprise this series, Switzerland’s Palexpo stadium is the only indoor venue.

“It is going to be a testing course with a fast jump-off,” said Scott. “So technically, it is very different to Aachen or Calgary, but there is going to be fantastic sport. It will be extremely hard to win, but I will give it my best shot!”

Also bidding for glory this weekend will be the 2012 Olympic champion Steve Guerdat, jumping Nino Des Buissonnets for the last time. British riders Robert Whitaker and Michael Whitaker also line up alongside top names including Eric Lamaze, Simon Delestre, Marcus Ehning, Cian O’Connor, Bertram Allen, Kent Farrington and Jeroen Dubbeldam.

Find out how Scott gets on in next week’s issue of Horse & Hound, out Thursday 15 December.

Jennifer Donald

H&H showjumping editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.