Grand Slam of Eventing seeks new sponsor as Rolex bows out after +20 years
Rolex has ended its long-running sponsorship of the Grand Slam of Eventing after more than 20 years.
The six-figure eventing grand slam prize is awarded to a rider who has won Mars Badminton, Defender Burghley and the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event consecutively – in no particular order and not necessarily in the same year.
The series, which started in 1999, has only ever been won by two riders.
Britain’s Pippa Funnell landed the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing prize of $250,000 and a watch in 2003, winning Kentucky on Primmore’s Pride, Badminton on Supreme Rock, and Burghley with Primmore’s Pride.
In 2008, the prize pot was increased by $100,000 to $350,000. Germany’s Michael Jung became the second rider to win the award – partnering La Biosthetique-Sam FBW to Burghley victory in 2015, followed by 2016 Kentucky glory aboard FischerRocana FST, and scoring the Badminton crown with La Biosthetique-Sam FBW.
A statement, issued by organisers today (19 September), said that “for the first time in 23 years, the title sponsorship of this iconic series has become available”.
“The organisers would like to thank Rolex for their decades long support of this important series,” it added.
“The organisers of the Grand Slam events are seeking a new title partner and encourage interested parties to contact James Wolf, Wolf Sports Group, jwolf@wolfsportsgroup.com”
H&H has contacted Rolex for comment.
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