ROLEX OFFICIAL TIMEPIECE AND GRAND PRIX SPONSOR

The RDS is delighted to welcome Rolex on board as Official Timepiece and Grand Prix sponsor at this year’s RDS Dublin Horse Show.  The Rolex Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, the 18th of August in the RDS Main Arena, and will offer a record prize fund of €500,000.   The global watchmaker Rolex has entered into a long-term partnership with the RDS to sponsor the prestigious Grand Prix of Ireland.  

The Grand Prix at Dublin was first held in 1934 and has a rich history with some of the best riders in the world lifting the Irish Government Trophy such as Eddie Macken, John & Michael Whitaker, Nick Skelton, Jessica Kuerten, Lauren Hough, Cian O’Connor, Bertram Allen, Kent Farrington and Shane Breen.

Show Director, Pat Hanly commented ‘As the 100th anniversary of International team jumping at Dublin approaches in 2026, the RDS is looking to the future of the Show, and to the role the Society will play on the future of equestrianism.  The RDS is committed to growing its Show and the sport, by bringing the best riders in the world, and top-level international competition, to Ireland.  And working with committed, like-minded and high-level sponsors such as Rolex is fundamental in achieving this’.   A major aspect of delivering this goal will see the RDS focus on its campus masterplan and the development of the Anglesea Stand to future proof the famous showgrounds for equestrian sport. 

As one of Ireland’s largest sporting, social and family events, the RDS Dublin Horse Show is a highlight of the summer, each year welcoming over 110,000 visitors from Ireland and abroad.  A celebration of Ireland’s affinity with the horse, the Dublin Horse Show provides one of the best grass competition surfaces in the world and the RDS is delighted to partner with Rolex in developing the sport into the future. 

ABOUT ROLEX AND EQUESTRIANISM

With more than a century of knowledge and expertise in watchmaking, Rolex is driven by tradition and craftsmanship, along with a commitment to innovation and a passion for perfection.  These qualities are reflected in the brand’s support of equestrianism.  For almost 70 years, Rolex has cultivated an enduring legacy with this elite world and is now a major presence at play behind the finest riders, competitions and institutions.

The brand’s contribution to excellence in equestrianism is based on this heritage, encouraging modernisation while respecting the elegance of this prestigious sport.  Whether supporting leading athletes, the RDS Dublin Horse Show or the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, Rolex has built on a relationship that began in 1957, through an alliance with British show jumper, Pat Smythe.  A pioneer in equestrianism, she became the brand’s first equestrian testimonee.

 

Image Credit: Rolex / Ashley Neuhof