Nick Skelton has big plans for Big Star in the Rolex Grand Slam

You’d think Nick would want some time off after winning Olympic gold, but the 58-year-old is showing no sign of slowing down.

Best horse ever

His next big goal with Big Star is to win the Rolex Grand Slam and claim the €1M  bonus. To achieve this feat he will have to win the three ‘Majors’ at Geneva, Aachen and Calgary.

So what is driving Nick after more than three decades at the top, and an individual gold medal finally in his trophy cabinet? According to Mark Beever, Nick’s groom of 31 years, showjumping is all Skelton knows.

“It’s a bit like with me – I work with horses because I can deal with them better than people,” said Mark. “Nick has won loads in his lifetime, but he says Big Star is the best horse he’s ever had. And when a horse like that comes along you don’t want to give up while they’re on top form.”

Amazing lad

Nick starts his Rolex campaign at the renowned indoor show CHI Geneva on 11 December, where he will take on the world’s best showjumpers, including the current Rolex Grand Slam live contender, Scott Brash.

The riders were on the London 2012 gold-medal winning team together and have remained firm friends.

“Scott is a great friend and one of the best lads you could have round you,” said Mark. “I broke my shoulder just before a major show and Scott was the only person in the collecting ring to help me put the fence up – he’s an amazing lad, so down to earth.”

Shortlisted for SPOTY

Friendship aside it will be business as usual in the ring, and Mark says Geneva is perfectly suited to Big Star.

“It’s is a lovely show and the arena is beautiful, with a water feature in the middle,” he said. “It’s also huge, which is ideal for Big Star. It means Nick can take the handbrake off, so he will certainly be going for a win.”

As well as Geneva, Nick has one more tough competition ahead of him. He has been shortlisted for the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY), and a win there would be the perfect end to an already pretty good 2016.

“To be shortlisted is amazing as you don’t get many equestrians nominated,” said Mark. “Lots of people are saying he could win, but Mo Farah and Andy Murray will be tough to beat. If he’s in the top three Nick will be happy.”

You can watch Nick and Scott go head-to-head in the Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva on 11 December on Sky 253 or online by subscribing to H&C Play.