THE DUTCH MASTERS: A NEW CHAPTER DAWNS IN THE 2026 ROLEX GRAND SLAM OF SHOWJUMPING
The spotlight of the equestrian world turns to The Dutch Masters, where the first Major of 2026 will be contested as part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping. Taking place from Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 March in the Netherlands’ historic city of ’s-Hertogenbosch, the event brings together the world’s leading horse and rider combinations in a uniquely demanding and compact indoor arena. Here, partnerships built through years of trust take centre stage, with precision guiding every move in pursuit of success. Four days of absorbing competition across showjumping and dressage will culminate in the Rolex Grand Prix.
With a history in the sport dating back to 1957, Rolex continues to honour not only victory but the journey towards it, recognising the intuitive bond between horse and rider forged through dedication, patience and trust. The crowning moments across the four prestigious events that make up the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping are the results of commitment behind the scenes. Rolex Testimonee Kevin Staut, a two-time champion at The Dutch Masters, says:
“The Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters is not something you can approach casually. For me, the one thing I can truly control is the quality of the connection I have with the horse, not the final result. You have to build towards it, plan carefully and prepare in advance. All the best combinations in the world are there, and that is exactly what makes it so special. That level of challenge is why we compete.”
Central to proceedings is Jeroen Dubbeldam, Sporting Director of The Dutch Masters and one of the most respected names in the sport. Celebrating 10 years as a Rolex Testimonee in 2026, Dubbeldam has enjoyed a glittering career that includes Grand Prix victories at the CHIO Aachen and the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, achievements that continue to inform his vision for this event. Dubbeldam reflects:
“The moment you step into the arena at The Dutch Masters, you can feel the quality. Everything around the event is perfect and so excellently arranged. Providing top-level competition is, of course, the priority, but everything surrounding it is equally refined. As Sporting Director, I now see that side more clearly, and it has only deepened my appreciation for the strength of the event’s foundation.”
Reflecting on his journey as part of the Rolex family, Dubbeldam adds:
“Over the past 10 years, I have come to understand the values of Rolex: precision, excellence and an uncompromising eye for detail. These values align perfectly with my own philosophy, ‘an eye for detail is a sign of victory.’ That mindset reflects both my approach to sport and the spirit of Rolex.”
Also returning to The Dutch Masters is fellow Rolex Testimonee Daniel Deusser, a three-time winner of the Grand Prix. His victories in 2007, 2015 and 2022 reflect a long-standing connection with the event and a consistency of performance that has defined his career. Deusser says of the event:
“The atmosphere is warm, and the crowd is knowledgeable and truly understands the sport. Although the arena is more compact compared with some other Majors, it has a unique character. The organisation is exceptional, and the meticulous preparation is evident everywhere. It is an event that combines top sport with a very sophisticated setting, which makes it stand out on the international calendar.”
Since British showjumper Pat Smythe became the sport’s first Testimonee in the late 1950s, Rolex has championed the world’s leading riders and events, its clocks having kept time on many inspirational feats. The Swiss watchmaker became Main Sponsor and Title Sponsor of the Rolex Grand Prix in 2014, reflecting a shared commitment to tradition and innovation. Four years later, the event became the fourth Major in the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping, the ultimate challenge in the equestrian world that offers its most prestigious prize to any rider who wins, consecutively, the Grand Prix at three of these Majors – the others being the CHIO Aachen, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament and the CHI Geneva.
The Dutch Masters will once again welcome the world’s finest riders and horses, across showjumping and dressage. Among them are nine Rolex Testimonees, including Scott Brash, Martin Fuchs, Steve Guerdat, Gilles Thomas and Richard Vogel in the jumping arena, alongside dressage icon Isabell Werth. Kent Farrington arrives as live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping following his victory in the Rolex Grand Prix at the 2025 CHI Geneva, while Sophie Hinners will make her debut at ’s-Hertogenbosch, looking to build on her impressive tally of clear-round performances in 2025. With the action commencing next week, only time will tell who will take victory in the Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters.
--ENDS--
Edited by HT
Photos by Rolex/Tom Lovelock/Guillaume Megevand
PREVIOUS WINNERS OF THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX AT THE DUTCH MASTERS
2007 Daniel Deusser – Air Jordan Z (GER)**
2010 Kevin Staut – Silvana HDC (FRA)**
2014 Kevin Staut – Silvana HDC (FRA)
2015 Daniel Deusser – Cornet d’Amour (GER)
2016 Marcus Ehning – Cornado NRW (GER)
2017 Leopold van Asten – VDL Groep Zidane N.O.P. (NED)
2018 Niels Bruynseels – Gancia de Muze (BEL)
2019 Henrik von Eckermann – Toveks Mary Lou (SWE)
2021 Max Kühner – Elektric Blue P (AUT)
2022 Daniel Deusser – Tobago Z (GER)
2023 McLain Ward – HH Azur (USA)
2024 Willem Greve – Highway TN N.O.P. (NED)
2025 Simon Delestre – Cayman Jolly Jumper (FRA)
* Rolex Testimonees in bold
** Rolex Testimonees who won the Grand Prix before Rolex became Main Sponsor and Title Sponsor
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