Though Rolex has been a committed partner of equestrianism for almost 70 years, beginning with show jumper Pat Smythe in 1957, the watchmaker became the main sponsor of the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament in 1989.
Opened in 1975 by Margaret and Ron Southern, Spruce Meadows has grown from its humble beginnings, when it spanned 70 acres, into a venue with more than 500 acres that stands as both a Calgary spectacle and a global stage in the equestrian sport. The proudly family-owned venue is now led by their daughter, president and CEO Linda Southern-Heathcott, an equestrian herself who competed in the 1996 Olympics.
Over the course of the weekend, the anticipation grew, with 25,000 spectators waiting to see which horse and rider would secure their spot at the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex. The course in the first round of the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, designed by Leopoldo Palacios, featured 12 combinations. Rolex Testimonees Scott Brash, Daniel Deusser, Sophie Hinners, Martin Fuchs, and Steve Guerdat—who won third place overall—were amongst the qualifying riders. The second and final round proved even more difficult, resulting in a jump-off between Brash and Kyle King, where Brash and his horse Hello Jefferson came out victorious with a faultless round in a time of 46.97 seconds.
The crowd erupted in celebration of Brash, with this victory coming 10 years after he made history as the first and only rider to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. This revered prize is the highest in the
sport and was completed by winning three consecutive Rolex Grand Slam Majors in Geneva, Aachen, and finally taking the title at Spruce Meadows. As a Testimonee for more than 10 years, Brash is aware of the impact Rolex has on the sport, “It goes without saying, that Rolex’s support and commitment to the sport is truly showcased by developing the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping—the sport’s ultimate prize. I believe this initiative has elevated the sport immensely.”
Spruce Meadows celebrated its 50th milestone with a gala dinner for more than 400 guests and a private performance by Michael Bublé, who fittingly was celebrating his own 50th birthday as well. The night served as a reflection of the enduring vision and community that Spruce Meadows and the Southern family have built alongside dedicated volunteers, with many there from the start. “The evolution of the sport here is incredible, every year, there is something new. When you think the tournament cannot get any better, it gets better again the following year,” Brash said.
The weekend at Spruce Meadows was a showcase of the remarkable partnership between Brash and Hello Jefferson, a duo defined by precision, consistency, and an extraordinary ability to ride under pressure. Their next stop will be at CHI Geneva this December, where Brash will continue his pursuit to make history by becoming the first rider to claim a second Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping title. With the momentum of Spruce Meadows on their side, all eyes will be on Brash and Hello Jefferson as they take on the next chapter, and continue to prove why they are considered one of the sport’s most formidable teams.
Feature image courtesy of Rolex.
