CHI Geneva, Palexpo, Friday 13 December h. 21. The date of the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final has long been marked in red on the calendars of riders, insiders and fans as a historic and unmissable event. Created and organised by the International Jumping Riders Club, this year marks the 23rd edition of the event, which still retains the characteristics that time has not changed: it is unique and fascinating.
The list of starting riders, already announced with the publication of the November World Rankings, shines bright with Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) No. 1, Steve Guerdat (SUI) No. 2, Ben Maher (GB) No. 3, Kent Farrington (USA) n°4, Julien Epaillard (FRA) n°5, Max Kühner (AUT) n°6, Richard Vogel (GER) n°7, Christian Kukuk (GER) n°8, Mclain Ward (USA) n°9 and Conor Swail (IRL) n°10.
If it is true that the value of a show is determined by the choice of horses, then the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final 2024 is off to a strong start. Richard Vogel will be riding the phenomenal United Touch, who entered the Olympus of world showjumping last year in Geneva when he won the Rolex Grand Prix.
«It was something very special and unforgettable – Vogel said - It was one of my first times in one of ‘the major’ and whoever saw he jump off can understand why it was so special for us. Even if we try another ten more times I guess it’s almost impossible to ride again a jump off like that one. We are very proud and happy for that win».
The young German top rider, who is also a member of the IJRC Board, is entering the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final for the first time. «I will ride United Touch because he’s my best horse and I’d like to have the best chance in such an important class This is a very special competition. A challenge with the top riders in the world: what can you ask more? Being part of ‘the team’ has been one of my dreams since I was a boy and I never thought that I would be one of the protagonist. I'm proud and motivated, and it’s certain: I'm not going to be satisfied with being in the starting order. The aim is to compete with my colleagues».
The list of starting riders, already announced with the publication of the November World Rankings, shines bright with Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) No. 1, Steve Guerdat (SUI) No. 2, Ben Maher (GB) No. 3, Kent Farrington (USA) n°4, Julien Epaillard (FRA) n°5, Max Kühner (AUT) n°6, Richard Vogel (GER) n°7, Christian Kukuk (GER) n°8, Mclain Ward (USA) n°9 and Conor Swail (IRL) n°10.
If it is true that the value of a show is determined by the choice of horses, then the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final 2024 is off to a strong start. Richard Vogel will be riding the phenomenal United Touch, who entered the Olympus of world showjumping last year in Geneva when he won the Rolex Grand Prix.
«It was something very special and unforgettable – Vogel said - It was one of my first times in one of ‘the major’ and whoever saw he jump off can understand why it was so special for us. Even if we try another ten more times I guess it’s almost impossible to ride again a jump off like that one. We are very proud and happy for that win».
The young German top rider, who is also a member of the IJRC Board, is entering the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final for the first time. «I will ride United Touch because he’s my best horse and I’d like to have the best chance in such an important class This is a very special competition. A challenge with the top riders in the world: what can you ask more? Being part of ‘the team’ has been one of my dreams since I was a boy and I never thought that I would be one of the protagonist. I'm proud and motivated, and it’s certain: I'm not going to be satisfied with being in the starting order. The aim is to compete with my colleagues».