Who Will Win the $750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix?
Here's who to watch, and why:
The $750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open CSI5* Grand Prix is set to deliver one of the most exciting show jumping spectacles of the year. As part of the prestigious Rolex Series, this marquee event draws the sport’s elite to the spotlight with a huge prize fund, a technical course, and career-defining prestige. But who has the edge heading into Saturday night? EquiRatings crunched the numbers to bring you the most accurate predictions in the game.
Kent Farrington & Greya
Kent Farrington & Greya will be among the favourites flying the US flag in the Rolex Grand Prix of Wellington. The pair have already made history this WEF season, with Greya becoming the first horse ever to win two five-star Grands Prix in a single Wellington season. They’ve started 2025 with a flawless five-star 160 record – 2 clears from 2 starts, both wins – and Greya ranks inside the Top 10 rated horses in the world. They top the prediction model this week with a 12% win chance and a 60% chance of jumping clear.
Ben Maher & Dallas Vegas Batilly
Set to go last on Saturday night after a win in the WEF Challenge Round 12, Ben Maher brings Olympic mount Dallas Vegas Batilly to the US Equestrian Open Jumping Final. This pair has jumped clear in their last two five-star Grand Prix appearances at WEF and were instrumental in helping Team GB secure Olympic Team Gold last summer in Paris. Their 7% win chance places them firmly among the top contenders.
Henrik von Eckermann & King Edward
Henrik von Eckermann has been the World #1 for 32 consecutive months and arrives with the best-rated horse in the world: King Edward. On a staggering Elo of 814, King Edward is unmatched, and their 2025 form speaks for itself – Top 5 in all three five-star Grands Prix they've contested this year, maintaining a perfect five-star 160 record in 2025. In 2024, they jumped 19 clears from 26 rounds at 160 level (73%). A position as favourite this week is no surprise.
Karl Cook & Caracole de la Roque
Karl Cook & Caracole de la Roque were breakout stars in 2024, capturing wins in the Rolex Grand Prix of Rome and World Cup of Arcadia. Key to the U.S. Team Silver in Paris, they’ve returned to the top level after a brief break. Cook was on the podium here last year with a different mount – and has a 6% chance to improve on that result this weekend.
Christian Kukuk & Checker 47
The reigning Olympic Champions return to Wellington, the site of one of their greatest wins just 12 months ago. Since then, they’ve taken the LGCT Grand Prix of Madrid and Olympic Individual Gold in Paris. They’ve already notched a Grand Prix win here this season and hold a 6% win chance with a 49% chance of making the jump-off.
McLain Ward & Ilex
A legend at WEF, McLain Ward has over 60 international victories at this venue. Partnered with Olympic mount Ilex, they were key to the U.S. Team Silver in Paris and recently jumped a double clear to help the U.S. win the Longines League of Nations in Ocala. They are among the favourites for the home nation on Saturday night.
Laura Kraut & Bisquetta
Laura Kraut rides Bisquetta, a combination that jumped to eighth in last year’s Rolex Grand Prix of Wellington. Bisquetta has been incredibly reliable, jumping nine rounds at 150 level or above in top company without touching a pole. They're a potential surprise package this weekend.
There are plenty of other top names and rising stars in the field, each with a story worth knowing. Check out the Fan Guide – your go-to resource for stats, stories, and insights on every combination in the class. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just getting into the sport, it’s the perfect way to follow all the action.
Check out the entire Prediction Centre here.