Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping: Here's How Richard Vogel Could Win Nearly Two Million Euros at Spruce Meadows

Spruce Meadows in Canada is considered one of the most challenging tournaments in show jumping. It is one of four “Majors”—high-profile events that count toward the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. As Winner of the Dutch Masters and the Aachen Grand Prix At TSCHIO 2026, Richard Vogel holds the key, coming in second after Scott Brash to win the Grand Slam. This achievement would be sweetened by 30 percent of the total prize pool of $3,623,188 (€3,113,079.36). In other words, “Richie” could have an additional 1.93 million euros in his prize money account after his flight to Canada—933,000 euros for the victory and a one-million-euro bonus for winning the Grand Slam.

What does it take to win the CPKC International presented by Rolex?

The Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows, the equestrian center founded by Ron Southern in 1975, consists of two rounds (1.60 meters). The top twelve riders, or all those with clear rounds from the first round—which is decided against the clock—advance to the second round. A jump-off is held to determine the winner. Riders who do not qualify for the jump-off are placed based on their faults and time from the first round.

What’s the story behind “Spruce Meadows”?

Spruce Meadows—which means “spruce meadow” in German—was originally built by Ron Southern for his daughters, who were show jumpers. Southern was a founder. He had built the ATCO company together with his father and turned it into a conglomerate.

Four tournaments, more than five million euros in prize money

—crowd-pleasers with a rich sporting tradition and world-renowned status. These are the three key facts about the four venues of the Rolex Grand Slam. The Grand Prix events at the “Majors”—the CHI in Geneva (SUI, in December), the Dutch Masters Indoor Brabant in ‘s-Hertogenbosch (NED, in March), the CHIO Aachen (July), and the Spruce Meadows “Masters” (CAN, September)—count toward the Rolex Grand Prix of Show Jumping. A total of more than five million euros is up for grabs across these four competitions.

How does it work?

The concept is simple. Anyone who wins two consecutive Grand Prix events receives a bonus of 500,000 euros in addition to the regular prize money. If that rider then goes on to win a third Grand Prix in a row, they’ll win the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping, which, in addition to the title, comes with an extra one million euros for the victory.

There is no specific season; the series runs year-round. If—something no one has ever achieved—the same rider wins the fourth tournament after winning the Grand Slam (the horses do not have to be the same), another million euros awaits.

What the British Crown Jewels Have to Do with the Grand Slam

45 centimeters tall, weighing two kilograms—that’s the trophy the winner receives. Corinna Pike, Heritage Director at the English jeweler Garrard, designed the trophy as a jewelry designer. Garrard is one of the oldest jewelers in London. The company, whose flagship store is located not far from Piccadilly Circus in the heart of London, was responsible for the British Crown Jewels from 1837 to 2007.

Scott Brash made history in 2015

During the 2014–15 season, British rider Scott Brash achieved what no one had thought possible: Riding Hello Sanctos, he first won in Geneva, then in Aachen (’s-Hertogenbosch was not yet part of the Grand Slam at that time), and finally “sealed the deal” at Spruce Meadows.

Two riders have already won five Rolex Grand Prix events

Along with Scott Brash, Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs is the second rider in the world to have won five Rolex Grand Prix events to date. His first victory came in 2019 in Geneva, and his most recent victory to date was in Aachen in 2025.

Seven Germans have already won at least one of the Grand Prix events

. Among the five riders with three victories are three Germans: team world champions Daniel Deußer, Marcus Ehning, and Richard Vogel. Philipp Weishaupt has led the victory lap twice, while Christian Ahlmann, Gerrit Nieberg, and André Thieme have each done so once—all in Aachen.

Up-and-Comers

As a general rule, two up-and-coming riders are invited to compete in each of the four majors. This is intended to give the next generation the opportunity to gain experience at the very highest level.

Nations Cup: Germany’s Elite Set to Compete at Spruce Meadows

Alongside Sunday’s Masters, the Nations Cup on Saturday, September 12, starting at 11 a.m. local time (7 p.m. in Germany), is the second major highlight of the tournament calendar. Daniel Deußer, Sophie Hinners, Jörne Sprehe, and Richard Vogel are scheduled to compete for Germany. Christian Kukuk and André Thieme will also be competing as individual riders. By the way: The Celle State Stud is sending a special display featuring its stud stallions to Calgary.

There is a livestream, and Clipmyhorse is also broadcasting from Canada.

Spruce Meadows Website with Schedule