Star-Studded Field Set to Battle for Rolex Grand Prix Glory at Brussels Stephex Masters

The Rolex Grand Prix at the Brussels Stephex Masters is poised to be a thrilling showdown, with some of the world's top show jumping combinations vying for the prestigious title. From seasoned champions to rising stars, the competition promises to keep spectators on the edge of their seats as riders navigate a challenging course in pursuit of victory.

The Favourites

A strong line-up of riders is set to take on this Rolex Grand Prix of Brussels on Sunday afternoon. One of the biggest hopefuls for the win is Swiss powerhouse, Steve Guerdat. With Dynamix de Belheme as his partner, he brings the second highest-rated horse in the world to the start in Brussels. Aside from being reigning European Champions, this pair are fresh off winning Individual Silver at the Paris Olympic Games earlier this month. It will come as no surprise that this pair enter the competition as favourites to win with a win chance of 9%.

The Swiss already spoiled a Belgian party here on Friday when they beat the home nation to win Friday’s Nations Cup. They come out in full force again for the Grand Prix on Sunday. Another strong contender for the win is Martin Fuchs on Conner Jei. A combination that has shown hugely strong form over their last couple of outings. Before securing the Swiss Nations Cup win here in Brussels, they had come fresh off jumping double clear in the Nations Cup in Dublin, before taking victory in the Rolex Grand Prix there. They enter the competition as second favourites on a win chance of 7%. No rider has won more five-star Grand Prixs this year than Fuchs, can he add another Rolex title to his ever-growing collection? 

Up-and-coming stars

The amount of young, raw talent set to compete in the Rolex Grand Prix of Brussels is astounding. No less than three of the top 10 highest-rated nine-year-olds in the world will take the start, all for the home team. Pieter Devos and Casual DV Z are Belgium’s biggest hopeful at a home victory entering on a win chance of 6%. As the highest-rated nine-year-old in the world, Casual has taken to upper-level sport with incredible grace and consistency. 
Thibeau Spits and Impress-K van ‘t Katteneye won their first five-star Grand Prix a few weeks ago and are definitely not to be discounted. In her own back garden in Brussels, Emilie Conter will ride Portobella van de Fruitkorf in today’s Grand Prix. The pair made their Rolex Grand Prix debut two weeks ago in Dublin which saw them finish inside the Top 10. 

On Flying Form

Several combinations are entering the Rolex Grand Prix of Brussels on a run of strong form. Winners of last weekend’s LGCT Grand Prix of Valkenswaard, Lorenzo de Luca & Denver de Talma (4% win chance), are the Italian hopefuls today. They finished ahead of Dutch powerduo, Harrie Smolders & Monaco N.O.P. (6% win chance), who will line out again today. We can’t mention the Dutch without highlighting the incredible performance from U25 rider Lars Kersten with Funky Fred Marienshof Z in Friday’s Nations Cup. The pair produced one of just two double clears in the class and are clearly in great shape.

The Bruynseels Stephex Masters

The Belgian riders are coming out in full force today to attempt to treat their home audience to a win. One man that will likely be on many a sports fan’s radar is Niels Bruynseels. Niels is a three-time winner of the Grand Prix of Brussels, his last one dating back to 2019. Today, he comes forward on a younger horse. On Origi vd Bisschop, he was part of the Belgian team that finished second in the Nations Cup here on Friday. 

With an impressive lineup of talented riders and horses, the Rolex Grand Prix of Brussels is sure to be a nail-biting affair. Will Steve Guerdat and Dynamix de Belheme continue their winning streak, or will a new star emerge to claim the coveted title on home soil? One thing is certain – the competition will be fierce, and the victor will have truly earned their place in the winner's circle. As the excitement builds, all eyes will be on Brussels to witness show jumping excellence at its finest.