Battle of the Best: Getting Ready for the 23rd IJRC Rolex Top 10 Final

The 23rd edition of the International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) Rolex Top 10 Final is set to showcase the absolute elite of showjumping, with an extraordinary collection of talent heading to Geneva's Palexpo Arena. The exclusive event, which features only the world's top-ranked riders, promises intense competition with multiple Olympic medalists and World Champions vying for victory.

The Defending Champions Return

All eyes will be on Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward as they seek a third consecutive podium finish in the Top 10 Final. The pair enters the competition in phenomenal form, with King Edward maintaining his position as the world's highest-rated horse and achieving an unprecedented Elo rating. Their 2024 statistics are remarkable – a 74% clear round rate at the highest level (17 clears from 23 rounds), surpassing even their career average of 66% from 100 starts.

This will be Von Eckermann's sixth Rolex Top 10 Final and King Edward's fourth. In King Edward's three starts in this event, he has never finished lower than second.

Home Favorite Seeks Fourth Title

Switzerland's Steve Guerdat, the defending champion, returns for his milestone 12th Top 10 Final appearance. Having already claimed victory three times with different mounts, Guerdat partners with the promising 10-year-old Albfuehren's Iashin Sitte. His extensive experience in this championship, combined with recent success in Lyon, makes him a serious contender for a record-extending fourth title.

Fresh Faces and Returning Champions

The field welcomes exciting newcomers Christian Kukuk and Richard Vogel, both making their Top 10 Final debuts. Vogel arrives with particular momentum, partnering with United Touch S, who remains unbeaten in any five-star 160 jump-off he has jumped clear in and enters as the reigning Rolex Grand Prix of Geneva champion.

Reigning Olympic Champion, Christian Kukuk makes his IJRC Rolex Top 10 Final debut on the promising young star, Just Be Gentle, one of the Top 5 highest-rated 10-year-old horses in the world currently.

America's Kent Farrington, a two-time winner of this prestigious class, returns with Toulayna. The combination has already proven successful in Geneva, having claimed the 2023 Trophée de Geneve. Their experience in the venue could prove crucial – Farrington has maintained an impressive 52% clear round rate in Geneva's five-star classes since 2010.

Olympic Talent on Display

The field features several partnerships fresh from Olympic success, including McLain Ward and Ilex, who helped secure Team Silver for the United States at the Paris Games. Their recent form, including a second-place finish in the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen, demonstrates their capability at the highest level.

This year's edition of the IJRC Rolex Top 10 Final will be McLain Ward's fourth start. He has once finished on the podium here in 2018, riding Clinta.

Rising Stars

The competition also showcases some of the sport's most promising young horses. Ben Maher brings Point Break, currently the world's highest-rated 10-year-old, who enters on a streak of six consecutive clears at the five-star 160 level. With a career clear rate of 59% at this height, Point Break has already demonstrated remarkable consistency for his age.

This will be Ben Maher's seventh IJRC Rolex Top 10 Final and has previously won the title in 2021 on his Olympic Champion, Explosion W.

Local Hero Returns

Martin Fuchs, partnering with Leone Jei, brings an impressive record to his home event. Leone Jei, among the world's top 10 highest-rated horses, boasts an extraordinary 79% clear rate at CSI5* 160 level this year. Their previous success in Geneva, including victory in the 2021 Rolex Grand Prix, makes them strong contenders.

While Leone Jei has never contested the IJRC Rolex Top 10 Final, it will be Martin Fuchs' sixth attempt. The Swiss has been a part of the every Top 10 Final since 2018.

The stage is set for an exceptional display of showjumping excellence, with every combination capable of claiming victory in this prestigious championship. With established champions, Olympic medalists, and rising stars all converging on Geneva, the 23rd IJRC Rolex Top 10 Final promises to be a fitting celebration of the sport's elite performers.