TSCHIO Aachen, the second Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major of the calendar year, began today at the Aachen Soers Showground, bringing together the world’s leading horse and rider combinations for three days of elite competition. Among the opening day highlights was the first qualifier for Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix, where 49 riders entered the iconic Main Stadium, each aiming to secure their place in the show’s pinnacle class.

Photo -Daniel Coyle riding Farrel (Rolex Grand Slam/Ashley Neuhof)

The 1.55m class featured 13 combinations and was contested over a single round against the clock, with victory awarded to the rider who produced the fastest time on the fewest penalties. The course, designed by Frank Rothenberger, provided a fitting test, requiring accuracy, pace and composure from an exceptional field of riders.

Depth of Talent

With Rolex Grand Slam Major winners, Olympic and Championship medalists among the start list, the opening Rolex Grand Prix qualifier underlined the depth of talent assembled for this special edition of the TSCHIO Aachen. Second into the arena, Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann was the first of the world-class field to set the standard, producing a smooth clear round in 74.30 seconds with Qasirah van de Reistenhoek. His lead, however, was quickly bettered by Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam, who shaved more than a second off the reigning individual World Champion’s time to cross the line in 72.94 seconds with James Kann Cruz.

Luciana Diniz and the grey Vertigo Du Desert then raised the standard further, moving into the lead in 71.47 seconds, before Ireland once again came to the fore as Daniel Coyle delivered a beautifully judged round aboard Farrel to stop the clock in 70.99 seconds. With many of the sport’s leading combinations still to come, Coyle’s time placed the remaining field under pressure. Several combinations continued to challenge in the latter stages, but none could quite match the Irishman’s performance, leaving Coyle to secure victory in the first Rolex Grand Prix qualifier of the weekend.

Little Bit of Luck

Speaking on his win, Coyle stated: “This is a really nice way to start the weekend. To win the first qualification class is not something that always happens. In speed classes, you often need a little bit of luck – which I had – and that is very normal. The best riders in the world are here, and today I was fortunate to come out on top. Farrel, is now 16 years, and I have had him since he was seven. He has gone through every level with me and been incredible. He is like a best friend. When I need help, he is always there, and today we needed to qualify, so he really stepped up.”

The Irishman added: “Aachen is one of the most important shows in the world, so it is always special to have a win here. I am not sure yet which horse I will ride on Sunday. I will have a discussion with the owner, look through the videos, and see which horse feels like the best option for the Rolex Grand Prix. At the moment, I have not made that decision yet.”