2026 CSIO Spruce Meadows 'Masters': Precision Under Pressure

Calgary, 18 September 2026 — The CPKC 'International' Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, took place on 13 September at the CSIO Spruce Meadows 'Masters' Tournament, its tight course of 1.65-metre obstacles testing 40 elite rider-and-horse combinations from around the world as they pushed their limits.

When Rolex Testimonee Richard Vogel rode into the vast International Ring that afternoon, expectation filled the ground: the German rider stood one victory away from the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Yet in the six-pair jump-off, Vogel and United Touch S were denied, ending his historic bid for a third consecutive Grand Slam title. The crowd rose to its feet in an ovation honouring the partnership, saluting their brilliant victories at The Dutch Masters and CHIO Aachen this year as well as Vogel's two class wins during the week.

Rolex Testimonee Sophie Hinners, who joined Vogel in winning the BMO Nations' Cup for Germany the previous Saturday, spoke of the tournament's unique challenge: "I think Spruce Meadows is incomparable. The arena is incredibly vast, and the obstacles we face are extraordinary. They are not only enormous but deeply imposing, with a rather traditional, almost vintage style. But I believe it is precisely these qualities that make this event one of a kind."

Ben Maher and Enjeu de Grisien claimed the coveted title in 41.40 seconds, the British rider's first Rolex Grand Slam victory. Newly crowned individual world champion Steve Guerdat, a long-standing Rolex Testimonee, took third with Iashin Sitte of the Albführen stable, completing the jump-off without a single penalty — a display of the renowned precision and skill behind his fourth Grand Slam title, which includes victory at Spruce Meadows in 2021.

Rolex's enduring partnership with the Spruce Meadows 'Masters' reflects a shared pursuit of excellence. In 1989, the tournament became the first show jumping event to partner with the brand; in 2013 the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping was created, elevating the CPKC 'International' Grand Prix to global Grand Slam status, and in 2014 Rolex became its presenting partner. In 2015, Rolex Testimonee Scott Brash captured the title at the iconic venue on his way to becoming the first — and so far only — rider to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. "Rolex's support has changed the sport of show jumping immensely," Brash reflected. "Today, the very best combinations in the world contest all four Grand Slam tournaments hoping to win them. The level of the sport keeps rising, and it pushes us to keep showing the very best of equestrian sport."

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping concludes at CHI Geneva from Wednesday 9 to Sunday 13 December, where the world's elite riders and horses will once again face the sport's most exacting test — and where the Geneva event will celebrate its centenary in Rolex's home city.

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