This week the Rolex Grand Slam is heading to one of its most iconic events, Spruce Meafows. In 2025, the event takes on special significance, as it coincides with Spruce Meadows’ 50th anniversary, a milestone in the history of a venue that has become synonymous with world-class sport. It was here in 2015 that Great Britain’s Scott Brash MBE achieved the seemingly impossible, winning consecutive Majors in Geneva, Aachen, and Calgary to become the first – and still only – winner of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.
For Brash, the ‘Masters’ is not only about the CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex – it is a place of legend. Fellow Briton and the current World No. 2 ranked rider Ben Maher will join Brash in Calgary, bringing with him a wealth of success and experience. Alongside them, rising British star Matthew Sampson, who knows the Spruce Meadows International Ring well, will look to deliver another standout performance on Canadian soil.
Chasing their own moments of glory will be a field packed with global stars. Among them is Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs, who has written his own chapter of Calgary history with back-to-back victories in the CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex in 2023 and 2024. With five Majors already to his name, Fuchs arrives in Calgary as the Rolex Grand Slam live contender, having won the previous Major, the Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen, and will be aiming for an unprecedented third successive, and record-breaking, triumph at Spruce Meadows. Fuchs will be joined by fellow Swiss rider and Rolex Testimonee Steve Guerdat, a three-time Major winner, who has competed in almost all of the Majors since the Rolex Grand Slam was created in 2013. Inspired by his previous performances at the ‘Masters’, Guerdat will be aiming to challenge for victory again in the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex.
Germany’s challenge will be equally compelling. Rolex Testimonee Daniel Deusser, a three-time Major winner, remains one of the most consistent performers of his generation, while Richard Vogel, the winner of the Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva in 2023, has already underlined his ability to deliver on the sport’s biggest stages. Joining them will be Sophie Hinners, current World No. 3 Christian Kukuk, and Jörne Sprehe, each capable of springing a surprise in the testing International Ring.
The Irish contingent is led by Rolex Testimonee Bertram Allen, whose precision and speed have made him one of the circuit’s most reliable performers. He will be joined by compatriots Darragh Kenny, Cian O’Connor, Daniel Coyle, and rising young star Tom Wachman, all of whom will be looking to emulate Ireland’s long tradition of success on the world stage.
France will field Rolex Testimonee Kevin Staut, a former Olympic team champion. Like Guerdat, he has taken part in nearly every Major since the inception of the Rolex Grand Slam in 2013 and will bring both experience and style to Calgary. Olivier Robert, renowned for his partnership with top horses on the international circuit, adds further depth to the French challenge.
From continental Europe, Rolex Grand Slam Major winner Max Kühner of Austria arrives as one of the sport’s most consistent performers in recent seasons. The Netherlands will be represented by current World No. 13 Harrie Smolders, Willem Greve, and Hendrik-Jan Schuttert, each of whom brings the depth and quality for which Dutch show jumping is renowned. Belgium will field the three Philippaerts brothers – Nicola, Olivier, and Thibault – alongside emerging stars Roy van Beek and Frederic Vernaet, a testament to the country’s extraordinary pipeline of equestrian talent.
South America will be represented by Brazilian fan favourite Yuri Mansur, known for his bold style and emotional connection with the crowd, while Mexico brings strength in depth with Eugenio Garza Pérez, Patricio Pasquel, and José Antonio Chedraui Prom all set to compete. Riders from further afield, including Australia’s Hilary Scott, New Zealand’s Katie Laurie, and Latvia’s Kristaps Neretnieks, complete an international field that underscores the global prestige of Spruce Meadows.
The home fans will have much to cheer, as Canada’s finest step into the International Ring. Tiffany Foster, currently Canada’s top-ranked rider, has already tasted CSI5* victory at Spruce Meadows this season and will be looking to extend her momentum into ‘Masters’ week. She will be joined by Mario Deslauriers, a seasoned competitor who has represented Canada at multiple Olympic Games, and Erynn Ballard, the second highest-ranked Canadian rider on the world stage. Together, they will aim to deliver a historic home victory in the CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex, a feat last achieved by Ian Millar in 2014.
