World class Marcus Ehning wins €1million Rolex Grand Prix

Photo:Rolex Grand Slam/Kit Houghton

Marcus Ehning has won the €1million Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva, showing why he is one of the greatest riders of all time.

‘So clever’

Marcus rode a masterclass in the jump-off with Pret A Tout to take the title. This is his second Major of the year, having previously won the Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen in July.

Marcus was fifth to go out of 11 combinations and produced a time that proved impossible to beat. Steve Guerdat (Albfuehren’s Bianca) was just 0.45sec behind him in second place, ahead of Ireland’s Darragh Kenny (Balou du Reventon) in third.

“This horse is so clever and has such good experience,” said Marcus. “He is very powerful and a very good jump-off horse. It is easy for him to leave strides out and he always manages the turns.”

Best horses

The showjumping legend is renowned for his talent against the clock. So what is the secret of his success?

“I am only as good as my horses, I have been around a long time so have a lot of experience which helps,” said Marcus. “Steve is very fast, he still has a few years to catch up with me. I thought his jump-off in the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final was incredible.

“I don’t think I have a secret, I just ride the way I do and make sure I have the best horses.

Rolex Grand Slam

Marcus is now the current contender for the Rolex Grand Slam, with the next leg at the Dutch Masters (Indoor Brabant Horse Show) in March 2019.

“I have been competing for a long time, and I know that you can’t get too ahead of yourself,” said Marcus. “We will take each day as it comes and see what position we are in early next year.”

You can watch this world-class event in full, when Rolex Grand Prix Geneva As Live premieres on Thursday 13 December at 8.30pm

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