Trophée de Genève: A Defining Test on the Road to the Rolex Grand Prix
Each December, the Trophée de Genève marks one of the most anticipated evenings of the CHI Geneva programme. The class stands as both a showcase of world-class jumping and a crucial gateway to the Rolex Grand Prix. As a 1.60m CSI5* qualifier, it often reveals which combinations are peaking at exactly the right moment. It is shaped each year by the vision of the Geneva course building team, and in 2025 that responsibility once again sits with Santiago Varela. He brings to Geneva the same refined eye he applied as Course Designer at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, and in recent years has worked alongside Switzerland's Gérard Lachat, who for many seasons influenced the foundation of Palexpo's technical identity. Their combined influence has helped shape the Trophée de Genève into a modern, demanding and fair test that rewards accuracy, control and boldness.
The Trophée de Genève has long been recognised as a class that sets the tone for the week. Winning it is an achievement in itself, yet its deeper significance lies in its impact on momentum. Riders who deliver a confident, efficient round in this qualifier often use it as a springboard towards Sunday’s Grand Prix, one of the four Majors of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.
A World-Class Field for 2025
The character of the Palexpo arena plays a central role in shaping the competition. Its vast dimensions allow for ambitious course building, and Varela’s style often blends flowing lines with technical questions that test balance, control and decision making. The Trophée traditionally includes options that allow riders to define their approach early, whether through a forward stride pattern or a more conservative strategy. Producing a clear and efficient round is not only a matter of athleticism but of trust and understanding within each partnership.
Against this backdrop, the 2025 field brings together many of the combinations who have shaped the five-star season. Several riders arrive in Geneva on strong form after consistent results across major European and global circuits. Scott Brash with Hello Jefferson and Harry Charles with Sherlock have each enjoyed successful outings on the Global Champions Tour and in Nations Cups. Christian Kukuk, Henrik von Eckermann and Richard Vogel also feature among the expected front-runners following impressive performances during the summer season.
Swiss interest will focus on riders such as Martin Fuchs, Alain Jufer and Bryan Balsiger, who have each delivered confident results at recent indoor fixtures and tend to perform well on home ground. Their presence adds an extra layer of anticipation within the arena.
International form arriving into Geneva is equally compelling. Riders such as Ben Maher, Max Kühner, Simon Delestre and Daniel Deusser bring forward horses who have been consistently competitive at venues including Spruce Meadows, Aachen and Brussels. Kent Farrington also strengthens the field with Toulayna after a year marked by reliable speed and scope across major North American events.
With such depth of recent form and a track likely to reward rideability and precision, the 2025 Trophée de Genève promises a level of competition fully aligned with its role as a qualifier for one of the most prestigious Grands Prix in the sport.
Results and Reflections From the 2025 Edition
World number 2 Scott Brash set the standard from the outset. First to go, he and Hello Jefferson produced the opening clear of the evening and secured the first place in the jump off. He was soon joined by Max Kühner, whose round with Eic Daloubet delivered the second fault-free effort of the class. Christian Ahlmann and Dourkhan Hero Z added their names to the list shortly before the break, completing the initial trio of riders through to the jump-off.
The momentum continued after the pause, with Ireland’s Cian O’Connor and Chatolinue PS producing a measured and confident clear, swiftly followed by Peder Fredricson with Alcapone des Carmille. The home crowd then had reason to lift the atmosphere as Steve Guerdat ensured Swiss representation in the jump-off. The host nation was soon strengthened further when Edouard Schmitz qualified with Gamin Van t Naastveldhof, giving Switzerland a second chance at the top positions. Britain also doubled its presence when Millfield Colette and Donald Whitaker delivered a decisive clear.
World number 1 Kent Farrington looked on track to make the 10th clear of the night until the penultimate fence fell, leaving him on four faults, with a total of nine riders coming forward to the jump-off
Four of the nine returned to deliver a clear in the final round,but it was Donald Whitaker who rose above the rest. Riding with precision and purpose, he stopped the clock at 45.15 seconds to claim victory, finishing one and a half seconds faster than Christian Ahlmann who secured second. Cian O’Connor took third, with the final clear belonging to Max Kühner. Edouard Schmitz finished as the quickest of the four faulters, producing the fastest time of the entire class at 44.01 seconds.
Looking Ahead to Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix
With the Trophée complete, attention now turns to the Rolex Grand Prix, where only the strongest partnerships of the week will compete for one of the sport's most prestigious titles. While the qualifier often highlights the early favourites, Geneva is known for producing surprises and breakthrough performances. The momentum and storylines shaped during the Trophée will now carry into Sunday, heightening anticipation within one of the most iconic arenas in showjumping.
