The next chapter in his journey in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping has been written: Following his triumph at The Dutch Masters, Richard Vogel today also rode to victory in the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen. In September at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’, the 29-year-old now has the chance to pull off the feat that only one other rider has ever managed to achieve in the history of show jumping – Britain’s Scott Brash – namely, to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

There are stories that only sport can write. Stories where dreams suddenly become tangible, where the seemingly unattainable is suddenly within arm’s reach. For Richard Vogel, precisely such a story became reality. In front of a sold-out crowd in Aachen’s Main Stadium, the 29-year-old – aboard United Touch S – claimed the victory in the Rolex Grand Prix, the most prestigious show jumping class at the CHIO Aachen and a Major of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping series.

Three riders had secured their ticket into the jump-off – two of them German riders. Sophie Hinners was the first to enter the ring. With her bay gelding, Iron Dames Singclair, the 28-year-old delivered a flawless round – ridden with a calculated risk and immense trust in her horse. 51.62 seconds flashed up on the scoreboard – a ride that brought the crowd to its feet in appreciative cheers. Yet, seconds later, the applause gave way to absolute silence. Everyone in the stadium knew: the moment had arrived – the decisive moment for Richard Vogel. After his triumph at The Dutch Masters in March, the European Champion had travelled to Aachen as the contender for the Rolex Grand Slam. All eyes were fixed on him as he and his top horse, United Touch S, stepped onto the Holy Grass – the external pressure immense, his own expectations even greater still. “You wake up in the morning knowing that today you could write history – or perhaps not,” the 29-year-old recounted later. For a brief second, he seemed to be double-checking his line; then he gave is Westphalian-bred stallion a motivating pat on the neck. His focus entirely fixed on the next two minutes. The instant United Touch S gathered himself to a canter, you could have heard a pin drop.

With his immense stride, the 14-year-old stallion sprang into motion. At first, his pace was measured. After the third fence, the pair truly picked up speed, only pulling back briefly before the double combination. United Touch S collected himself perfectly. First element. Second element. Faultless. They even mastered the tricky turn towards the penultimate oxer with playful ease. A murmur rippled through the crowd as the horse and rider approached the final line. For a fleeting moment, a memory flickered in the collective consciousness. The memory of that day two years ago, when the final rail fell during the Rolex Grand Prix. Not this time. United Touch S took off, effortlessly catapulting himself over the final vertical.

That was not merely fast; it was a masterpiece in harmony, precision and stylish riding. The clock stopped at 45.57 seconds! The lead, for now. However, there was still one rider left to go. José María Jr. Larocca from Argentina, made it clear from the moment he entered the Main Stadium that he would not go down without a fight. High basic speed, tight turns, maximum risk – his strategy left no doubt that his aim was to win. But his 16-year-old bay gelding, Finn Lente, lacks the expansive stride that distinguishes United Touch S. His time: 47.36 seconds, second place.

While the Aachen crowd applauded the Argentinian show-jumper’s performance with great respect, jubilation erupted in the warm-up arena. They were all there: the German CHIO Aachen winners of past years, who know exactly what it means to win the Rolex Grand Prix in front of a home crowd: The National Coach Otto Becker, André Thieme, Marcus Ehning and Daniel Deußer were among the first to congratulate a visibly deeply-moved Richard Vogel. “I don’t cry often. But today is a beautiful reason to have tears in my eyes,” said the 29-year-old. “When you ride into the jump-off as a contender for the Rolex Grand Slam, there is no thought of finishing second or third. Then, there is only one goal.”

His performance was also praised by the other two riders on the podium. “I couldn’t be happier,” said José María Jr. Larocca. “Finishing second behind Richie is an honour.” And Sophie Hinners, too, had every right to be proud of her performance. To complete three clear rounds in the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen on that hallowed turf – as a rider, one couldn’t dream for more. “My horse fought so hard for me. Standing here on the podium is a lifelong dream come true,” said the 28-year-old, adding with a smile: “I knew I wouldn’t be able to beat Richie.”

And indeed, following his triumph at The Dutch Masters in ’s-Hertogenbosch, that very rider was celebrating his second consecutive Major victory – a winning streak that will not only earn the 29-year-old an extra bonus of 500,000 Euros on top of the prize-money, but which also opens the door for him to make history on a grand scale: In September at Spruce Meadows, Richard Vogel could become the second rider ever – after Scott Brash – to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. His journey continues and it has the potential to inspire an entire generation of equestrian fans. The Rolex Grand Prix brought the CHIO Aachen 2026 to a close. Birgit Rosenberg’s conclusion was overwhelmingly positive: “The day provided the perfect finish. We witnessed fantastic performances and every single day we enjoyed a wonderful combination between world-class sport and a vibrant supporting programme. The spectators celebrated the horses and riders amid perfect summer weather”, the ALRV Board Member said.

Fittingly for this perfect sporting culmination, Michael Mronz, CEO of Aachener Reitturnier GmbH, also announced that the long-standing collaboration with Rolex would continue: “We look back on a magnificent, shared history with Rolex that dates back to 1999, and we are absolutely delighted to be continuing this long-term partnership. This extension represents the strong commitment to our sport and to the CHIO Aachen. Together with Rolex, we will continue to write the success story of the Rolex Grand Prix and the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping and carry on developing our sport at the very highest level.”