World’s top riders head to Doha for Longines Global Champions Tour final

Photo: Stefano Grasso/LGCT

Eight out of the world’s top ten riders are heading to Doha in Qatar this weekend for the 2017 Longines Global Champions Tour final (LGCT).

Top of their game

Scott Brash, Harrie Smolders, Eric Lamaze, Lorenzo de Luca, Gregory Wathelet, Kevin Staut, Peder Fredricson and Maikel van der Vleuten will battle it out for big prize money.

“The level of competition on the LGCT circuit is so high, so to win a Grand Prix or League class you and your horse have to be at the absolute top of your game,” said Scott, who is currently in sixth place on the leaderboard.

Making history

This season has seen some thrilling showjmping, in the world’s most stunning locations and culminates at the Al Shaqab Equestrian Centre in Doha.

The Netherlands’ Harrie Smolders has already won the 2017 LGCT title, making history by claiming victory before the final leg has even played out.

However, there is still everything to play for, as there are just 15 points between the next top five riders. Italy’s Lorenzo de Luca is currently in second place on 260 and will be “giving everything” to stay there.

Exciting finals

Germany’s Christian Ahlmann is just three points behind him, while fellow Italian Alberto Zorzi is two points away on 255 points. Dutch rider Maikel van der Vleuten and two-time LGCT champion Scott Brash are on 247 and 245 points respectively.

The competition looks set to be one of the most exciting finals in the history of the tour.

Ben Maher and Bertram Allen will also be competing in the final alongside other big names including Simon Delestre, Edwina Tops-Alexander, Daniel Deusser, Marco Kutscher and Lauren Hough.

Don’t miss this thrilling competition when GCT 2017 Final: Doha premieres on 18 November at 8pm on Sky 253 and online via H&C Play or Amazon Video. The programme will then be available to watch on Catch Up.