William Fox-Pitt still has the chance to win the Rolex Grand Slam Photo: Libby Law
In 2001, Rolex created the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing. This prize is awarded to any rider who wins each of the Rolex Grand Slam Events, namely the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials and the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials consecutively.
Following the cancellation of the 2012 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials due to adverse weather conditions, Rolex and the organisers of the three Rolex Grand Slam events wish to clarify the eligibility of a rider claiming the Rolex Grand Slam prize of $350,000. To confirm, the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing prize will be awarded to any rider who winsall three events consecutively.
Therefore, with the current contender of the Rolex Grand Slam prize being William Fox-Pitt (GBR), who has now won the 2011 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials and the 2012 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Fox-Pitt will now have to win the 2013 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials in order to claim the prize, as this fulfils the criteria of having to win each of the three events consecutively.
For the first time in the history of the Rolex Grand Slam, the current situation means that Fox-Pitt could be challenged for the title at the same event if any other rider consecutively wins the 2012 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials and also the 2013 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event.
As further clarification:
If Fox-Pitt were to win the 2012 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, and not win the 2013 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, he would still be in contention for the Rolex Grand Slam title if he were to win the 2013 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. Similarly, if Fox-Pitt were to not win the 2012 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, and win the 2013 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, he would still be in contention for the Rolex Grand Slam title if he were to win the 2013 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. Finally, if Fox-Pitt were to not win the 2012 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, and not win the 2013 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, he would still be in contention for the Rolex Grand Slam title if he were to win the 2013 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.
USEF Press Release
