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🏆🇸🇪 Cook's Rolex Series Masterclass: Historic Falsterbo Debut Delivers Swedish Dreams and American Precision
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Riley Mackillop
July 14, 2025
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A New Chapter Crowned in Gold: Cook and Sweden Conquer Historic Rolex Series Debut in Falsterbo
The salty Scandinavian air carried something special during the inaugural CSIO5* Falsterbo Horse Show's entry into the Rolex Series. For the first time, this beloved summer tradition elevated to stand alongside Rome, La Baule, and Dublin in the sport's most prestigious circuit. What unfolded from July 10-13 was pure magic—a sold-out stadium, €500,000 in Grand Prix prize money, and storylines that epitomized everything we love about this sport.
This wasn't just another horse show joining the Rolex Series; it was a coronation that immediately established Falsterbo as a kingmaker event on the global calendar. When you combine maximum Longines Ranking points, a field featuring five of the world's top ten riders, and that uniquely passionate Scandinavian atmosphere, you create something truly special.
The €500,000 Rolex Grand Prix: Cook's Calculated Perfection
Sunday's headline act was everything a Rolex Grand Prix should be—technical excellence, tactical brilliance, and a finish decided by fractions of seconds. Frank Rothenberger's masterpiece of course design produced exactly what you want: 14 clear rounds from 50 starters, setting up a 13-horse second round that became a pure test of speed and nerve.
Karl Cook and the phenomenal Caracole de la Roque entered the jump-off as the hunters, having posted the fastest clear of the first round in 77.69 seconds. Going last in the jump-off, they watched Dutch speed demon Sanne Thijssen throw down what looked like an unbeatable gauntlet—43.74 seconds aboard the fiery Con Quidam RB in a round described as flying "over the fences with almost loose reins."
But Cook had one job: beat that time. What followed was described as a "masterclass in precision and pace." Every stride calculated, every turn ruthlessly efficient, they galloped through the timers at 43.28 seconds—winning by just 0.46 seconds in the kind of finish that defines championship sport.
"We always had incredibly high peaks but also low troughs, The goal was to even that out."
Cook had reflected after their Rome victory earlier this season. This Falsterbo performance—calm, calculated, and clutch under ultimate pressure—proved they've found that consistency. Two Rolex Grand Prix victories in one season? That's the stuff of legends.
Swiss master Steve Guerdat rounded out the podium with Dynamix de Belheme in 44.20 seconds, adding another chapter to his remarkable consistency at the sport's highest level. For the home crowd, Malin Baryard-Johnsson and the incredible 19-year-old mare H&M Indiana delivered a lightning-fast 45.64 seconds for fourth, giving the Swedish faithful something to roar about.
Rolex Grand Prix Podium:
Karl Cook (USA) - Caracole de la Roque - 0/43.28s - €110,000
Sanne Thijssen (NED) - Con Quidam RB - 0/43.74s - €66,000
Steve Guerdat (SUI) - Dynamix de Belheme - 0/44.20s - €49,500
Agria Falsterbo Nations Cup: Home Sweet Home
Two days before the Grand Prix fireworks, the Falsterbo arena was consumed by pure patriotic passion during the €200,000 Agria Falsterbo Nations Cup. Team Sweden entered as defending champions, but this year carried extra weight—it was their first Nations Cup on home soil under the prestigious Rolex Series banner.
The drama was immediate. After the first round, USA led on four faults while Sweden sat just behind them, setting up a second round that would test nerve and national pride in equal measure. What followed was a masterclass in performing under pressure.
Sweden's perfect second round—zero faults from all counting scores—clinched victory with a final total of four faults. World No. 1 Henrik von Eckermann delivered when it mattered most, producing a crucial double clear with Minute Man.
"There is nothing better than riding in front of this audience," von Eckermann said, the emotion evident. "It gives an incredible boost."
Amanda Landeblad matched him with a flawless double clear aboard Springfield 21, while Petronella Andersson showed championship composure. After four faults at the open water in round one, she returned to jump a perfect clear in round two with Olympke van'T Merelsnest—the mare's first-ever five-star Nations Cup.
Chef d'Équipe Henrik Ankarcrona captured the moment perfectly:
"To win here in Falsterbo is something special. The audience is fantastic and gives us so much energy. I am incredibly proud of them."
The Americans fought hard for second, anchored by double clears from Karl Cook (Caracole de la Roque) and Spencer Smith (Keeneland). But when a single rail fell in their final round, the Swedish victory was sealed, sending the home crowd into delirium.
Nations Cup Final Results:
Sweden - 4 faults - von Eckermann, Landeblad, Andersson, Fredricson
USA - 8 faults - Smith, Anthony, Cook, Ward
Ireland - 8 faults - Twomey, Foley, O'Connor, Breen
Falsterbo Derby: Saïd's Sweet Revenge
Saturday's Falsterbo Derby delivered the most compelling sequel you could script. In an incredible case of déjà vu, only two combinations conquered the grueling 19-fence, 22-effort course: Abdel Saïd (EGY) aboard Arpege du Ru and defending champion Steve Guerdat (SUI) with Easy Star de Talma. The exact same two riders, on the exact same horses, that battled in 2023.
This time, Saïd was determined not to repeat history. "Two years ago, I think I was too timid," he admitted. "I learned a lot from riders like Steve—in those situations, when you're first to go, just trying for a clean round isn't enough. You have to really go for it."
Going first in the jump-off, Saïd and his fiery mare blazed around the shortened course in 45.89 seconds—over six seconds faster than his 2023 time. Guerdat responded with typical precision, but his 47.93 seconds wasn't enough to catch the flying Egyptian.
"It is a dream come true to win the derby in Falsterbo," an emotional Saïd said. "I was second two years ago, so I really wanted this victory. In the jump-off, I thought, now I have to give everything."
Guerdat was the epitome of grace in defeat: "As always, it was a great Saturday at Falsterbo. My horse did really well—people often assume he'll go clear, but it's never that easy. Still, it's such a joy riding a class like this."
Derby Podium:
Abdel Saïd (EGY) - Arpege du Ru - 0/45.89s
Steve Guerdat (SUI) - Easy Star de Talma - 0/47.93s
Sandra Auffarth (GER) - C'Est A La Vie - 4 faults
Quick Hits
CSI4 Valkenswaard Summer Festival: Heartbreak by Five-Hundredths
The Longines Tops International Arena delivered a Grand Prix finish for the ages, where victory was decided by the narrowest of margins. Mexico's Andres Azcarraga and the experienced 15-year-old stallion Contendros 2 snatched victory with a masterful 35.62-second jump-off round. But the emotional core belonged to Dutch favorite Harrie Smolders, who was chasing a "perfect hat-trick" on home soil after victories on Friday and Saturday.
Aboard Mr. Tac, Smolders delivered a blistering round that brought the home crowd to its feet, only to fall agonizingly short at 35.67 seconds—just five-hundredths shy of the win. It was a powerful demonstration of the pressure-cooker environment when world-class talent meets home expectations. Ireland's Denis Lynch and Cordial completed an international podium in third, while the week's depth was evident throughout with Jessica Springsteen claiming early victories and Victor Bettendorf continuing his impressive 2025 campaign.
CSI4 Chantilly Classic: Veteran Partnership Pays Off
At the breathtaking Chantilly Racecourse, French veteran Marc Dilasser delivered a masterclass in horse management and long-term partnership building. His victory in the CSI4* 1.55m Grand Prix de la Ville de Chantilly aboard the 15-year-old Arioto du Gevres was the culmination of brilliant strategy—after winning Thursday's qualifier, he rested his veteran partner for two full days, allowing the horse to return fresh and at peak power for Sunday's main event.
The jump-off created a tense Franco-British showdown against double Olympic champion Scott Brash and Hello Valentino. Dilasser's scorching 39.68 seconds proved unbeatable, with Brash chasing hard but settling for second in 40.61 seconds. "Arioto is an exceptional horse, we've always known that," an emotional Dilasser reflected, underlining the power of patience and partnership development in a sport often focused on rapid horse trading. Nicolas Delmotte completed a French 1-3 finish, giving the home crowd plenty to celebrate.
CSI3 Great Lakes Equestrian Festival: Girl Power in the Grand Prix
It was a showcase of female talent in Traverse City, with American riders dominating the podium in the week's feature event, the $142,800 CSI3* Grand Prix. Cathleen Driscoll piloted the phenomenal mare A-Girl to a thrilling victory, proving to be the fastest in a competitive jump-off. The win was made even more impressive as she led an all-female sweep of the top spots. Lacey Gilbertson, a consistent performer all week, secured second place aboard Karlin van't Vennehof, while Natalie Dean and Acota M rounded out the powerful podium in third. Earlier in the week, Gilbertson set the tone with a decisive win in the $35,700 Welcome Stake, while Swiss precision was on display when Beat Mändli and D-Caspar claimed victory in Thursday's Two-Phase class.
CSI3 WEC Ocala Summer Series: Southern Hemisphere Success
Week 5 of the Summer Series saw Australia's Lauren Balcomb fly to victory in the $130,000 Wheels Up Grand Prix aboard Verdini d'Houtveld Z, marking a successful week for riders from "down under" following New Zealand's Sharn Wordley's qualifier win. The dual-discipline approach at WEC Ocala was highlighted by Victoria Colvin's victory in the $40,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, strategically positioned as a key preparatory event for the Platinum Performance Championship.
FEI Jumping European Championships for Youth: Ireland's Junior Domination
The future of showjumping was brilliantly displayed at Riesenbeck, with Ireland delivering complete domination in the Junior division. The Irish squad claimed team gold before Emily Moloney and Temple Alice secured individual gold, joined by teammate Tabitha Kyle with silver—a remarkable one-two finish showcasing their youth development pipeline. Belgium edged Ireland for Young Rider team gold in a tense final decided by anchor rider Leon Brutsaert's clutch performance, while Germany gave the home crowd joy with Children's team victory.
Industry News
The week saw significant facility upgrades as Tryon International announced a new partnership with Dalman Jump Co. for brand-new stadium courses. In the commercial space, boutique apparel brand Novella Equestrian formed a collaboration with iconic manufacturer 5/A Baker®, while the Wachman family established themselves as a genuine showjumping dynasty with siblings competing successfully across Young Riders (Tom's silver), Juniors (Alice's gold), and senior CSI4* level (Max at Valkenswaard).
Looking Ahead: European Championships Crown New Continental Champions
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Longines FEI Jumping European Championship (Spain, July 16-20)
The week's crown jewel heads to A Coruña, where Europe's finest battle for continental supremacy in both individual and team competition. This is the most significant championship of the post-Paris Olympic cycle, with national teams looking to establish new hierarchies and individual riders seeking the prestige that comes with European Champion status. Expect tactical team selections as nations balance their current stars with emerging talent, while the individual competition should showcase the absolute best Europe has to offer. The results will heavily influence team dynamics heading into the next major championships.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ CSIO3 Caledon (Canada, July 16-20)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ CSI3 Traverse City GLEF Week 3 (USA, July 16-20)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ CSI3 Saugerties (USA, July 16-20)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ CSI3 Tryon Summer 6 (USA, July 15-20)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ CSI3 Chard (Great Britain, July 16-20)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ CSI3 Megeve (France, July 15-20)
The North American circuit continues its summer momentum with multiple qualifiers for USHJA Championships, including the South region Platinum Championships at Tryon and continued Zone 3/4 Junior/Amateur competition.
This Week's Rating: 8.4/10
What a debut for Falsterbo in the Rolex Series! Cook's tactical masterclass in the Grand Prix showcased riding at its finest—calculated, clutch, and executed under maximum pressure. Sweden's emotional home victory in the Nations Cup delivered the kind of patriotic passion that makes this sport special, while Saïd's Derby revenge story provided the perfect narrative symmetry.
Frank Rothenberger's course design was exemplary, creating genuine drama with perfect clear rates and a jump-off that rewarded both speed and precision. The supporting cast delivered too—from Azcarraga's five-hundredth victory at Valkenswaard to Dilasser's veteran partnership masterclass at Chantilly.
However, with only one 5* event on the calendar, the week lacked the depth of elite competition we've seen in recent weeks. Still, when a venue's Rolex Series debut delivers this level of drama, emotional storylines, and championship-quality sport, you're watching something special unfold.
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