By Jean Llewellyn (from Rolex transcript)
Photography: Peter Llewellyn

Q Scott, as we mark the 10-year anniversary of your historic Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping triumph, how do you reflect on the journey that led to this defining achievement – not merely in terms of the victory itself, but the personal milestones, challenges, and emotions that shaped it?
That makes me feel old – it feels like only yesterday that I won the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – not 10-years-ago. At the time, I knew it was very difficult to achieve the sport’s ultimate prize. However as time has gone on, I have seen how difficult it really is – and how challenging it is to win one Rolex Grand Slam Major, let alone three in a row. It makes me very happy and proud to have stood here, at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, 10-years-ago and to have lifted the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping trophy.

Q Hello Sanctos remains one of the most celebrated horses in the history of the sport. What made your partnership with him so exceptional, and how did his unique qualities enable you to capture three consecutive Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors – an unprecedented achievement?
Hello Sanctos had so many fantastic attributes, but I think what was most special about him and what helped us win was how clever he was. He is still very clever today. Hello Sanctos understood how I was riding him, and I was always able to place him at the correct take-off point with balance and at the right speed. This trust strengthened our partnership, and meant we were to be able to jump even the most challenging fences.
I think it was the bond and partnership we had that made us so successful. He is such a clever and unique horse; to be able to win at the different Rolex Grand Slam Major venues – all of which are so different – is quite incredible. Normally, if you have a horse that can jump well at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament or at the CHIO Aachen for example, they might find it a little harder at The Dutch Masters or at the CHI Geneva. For Hello Sanctos to be able to win all over the world in different venues, on different surfaces throughout his career shows how extraordinary he was.

Q Spruce Meadows is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, it stands as one of the most revered venues in equestrian sport. You secured your final Rolex Grand Slam Major here – a moment that etched you and Hello Sanctos into the history of the sport. What does this venue represent to you, and how do you reflect on its role in both your own career but also the continued evolution of show jumping at the highest level?
The evolution of the sport here is incredible, every year, there is something new. When you think the tournament cannot get any better, it gets better again the following year. There is also so much history behind the international ring. As a boy growing up, I watched Spruce Meadows many times and dreamed of just riding here, let alone winning a class, or winning the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. It was fantastic that Hello Sanctos and I won here on the final leg of our journey in 2015 – because it was extra special to win at such a unique show.

Q Although we often only see the horse and rider in the competition arena, success would not be possible without the wider team. How vital was the role of your owners, grooms, vets, and wider support team in the pursuit of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping?
I would not be sitting here today without my team. You do not see them as much, but there are so many people behind the scenes. Starting with my owners, who are absolutely incredible. It was amazing that they were here at Spruce Meadows when Hello Sanctos and I won the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – and they are still amazing today. Lord Harris called me this morning [Friday], we speak every day. One of his horses, Queensway Philco, actually won here at Spruce Meadows in 1981 with David Broome – which just really highlights how long they have been involved with the sport, and yet they are still as enthusiastic as ever about this week – they will definitely be watching the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex on Sunday...

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