Al Shaqab set to stage Global Champions Tour opener

For the sixth year running, Al Shaqab will stage the opening leg of the Global Champions Tour and GCL from tomorrow until Saturday. Around 35 riders from 19 countries will be competing in the CSI5* class with the winner of the Grand Prix winner qualifying for the Super Grand Prix at the final showdown of the year – the GC Playoffs
The three-day championship will be held just days after Al Shaqab hosted its signature event – the CHI Al Shaqab. Leading the charge is last year’s GCT Championship runner-up Maikel van der Vleuten, who is determined to kick-start his campaign with a strong start in Doha. Joining him are renowned riders such as world number one Henrik von Eckermann, along with previous GCT Grand Prix of Doha winners Denis Lynch, Edwina Tops-Alexander and Niels Bruynseels, all vying for the coveted top spot at the first event of the season.
One of the most anticipated moments of the tour is the return of Marco Kutscher, adding an extra layer of excitement as fans eagerly await his performance after his hiatus from the tour. The roster reads like a who’s who of show jumping legends, with Christian Ahlmann, Malin Baryard-Johnsson, Max Kuhner, Simon Delestre, Marcus Ehning, John Whitaker, Christian Kukuk, Pieter Devos, and Jur Vrieling, Richard Howley, Eduardo Alvarez Aznar, Sanne Thijssen, set to showcase their skills in the iconic arena.
Mohamed Jaber al-Khayarin, Event Director, expressed his enthusiasm ahead of the event. “We are proud to host the best horses, riders and equestrian enthusiasts from all over the world to participate in this global competition, which also complies with the Qatar National Vision 2030 to modernise whilst preserving heritage, traditions and values, and urging our society to engage in equestrian sports.”
Jan Tops, Founder and President of Tour, emphasised the significance of the occasion, saying, “As we embark on another season of elite show jumping, every year the Global Champions Tour and GCL grow. I am very proud of the immense growth over the last 16 years of the sport in Qatar.
“Last year we saw the Championships being decided by the very last fence so it shows how strong the competition is with so many top riders here like World number one Henrik von Eckermann, the legends in our sport John Whitaker and Marcus Ehning and all the top French and Belgium riders here for the overall season title. To win this global circuit it makes you the world champion in our sport.”
Marco Danese, Sports Director of the Global Champions Tour and GCL, highlighted the continued innovation within the sport, stating, “Every year the venue here in Doha gets better and better. The facilities here in Al Shaqab are considered one of the best in the world not only for the horses, owners, and grooms but spectators and stakeholders as well. Now it is a tradition to start here in Doha and we have huge quality of riders and horses so we start the season with high expectations. The riders and teams know they need points from the first leg of the season so they are coming here to win!”
Reflecting on her past successes and anticipation for the upcoming event, Edwina Tops-Alexander, two-time Global Champions Tour Champion and previous GCT Grand Prix of Doha winner, remarked, “Competing in Doha is always a highlight of the season. The level of competition and the electrifying atmosphere make it a truly unforgettable experience. The competition on the tour is getting stronger and stronger, the riders are really fighting to be strong from the first show and put pressure on the rest of the riders and teams.
Winning the tour is like the world championships of our sport and what is so special about it is how each venue is unique, different circumstances – the small arenas, big arenas, grass or sand and that is what makes the rider a champion. To be consistent throughout the year competing against the best riders is what makes it very exciting and challenging.”
The Global Champions Tour of Doha promises a weekend filled with high-stakes competitions and world-class show jumping action. Tickets for the first stage of the LGCT 2024 season are available online.