The Peninsula
German riding star Christian Ahlmann will be looking to add another silverware to his bulging trophy cabinet this coming Saturday when he takes part in the opening round of massively popular Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT).
The 15-stop LGCT season starts on the hallowed turf of Longines Arena at Al Shaqab from today but Ahlmann - who clinched the CHI AL Shaqab trophy last Saturday at the same venue - won’t be the only one in the running for the prestigious title this week.
French show jumping giant Julien Epaillard, who had won the opening event of CHI AL Shaqab on Thursday, will also be competing for honours on the final day along with compatriot Oliver Robert, who finished second behind Ahlmann (Dominator 2000 Z) last week.
Kevin Staut of France, who also won one of the events with Toleddo de Mescam Harcour in Doha last week, is among the title contenders.
Popular riders Pieter Devos (Belgium), Marcus Ehning (Germany), Maikel van der Vleuten (Netherlands), Penelope Leprevost (France), Peder Fredricson (Sweden), Edwina Tops-Alexander (Australia), Gregory Wathelet (Belgium) and Eric Lamaze (Canada) will join the list of riders at the premier LGCT event that offers a staggering €375,000 in prize money. Scott Brash of Great Britain will be keen leave a mark early in the new season while Qatari rider Salmen Sultan A M Al Suwaidi will be looking for strong results in front of his home crowd.
With limited fan attendance allowed inside Longines Arena at Al Shaqab and strict safety and health protocols in play, Ahlmann said the event was well managed by Al Shaqab.
“I am proud to be here. Al Shaqab made it happen in these difficult times. We feel very good and safe here in Qatar,” Ahlmann said after his win on Saturday.
Staut, who won one of the premier show jumping events of the CHI Al Shaqab last week, also praised Qatar’s initiative to bring back sports delight for fans.
“I want to thank the organisers here because it’s so difficult (to host events) right now. To organise this event at the highest level it’s fantastic,” Staut said last week.
Beyond the results, Jan Tops, President and Founder, LGCT and GCL, said riders getting back for a full season - after numerous cancellations last year - is a major plus for the LGCT family.
“It is important for us the organisers, the riders and the fans around the world that we are continuing world-class sports especially after missing out on so much last season,” Tops said at a pre-event news conference. “I think last year was unusual with the COVID-19 (situation). Hopefully it will be a little bit better now. It is a bit unusual times and hopefully we will return to the new normal,” Tops said.
“First of all it takes a lot of courage and skills to have an event like this and Al Shaqab deserves praise in hosting two big events,” Tops added.
“Like I always say that this place Al Shaqab, not only is it beautiful, but it’s a friendly place. Everything is well placed. The staff is great when you see how they operate.The horses travel so much and that too is taken care of here. Logistics-wise the place is nicely situated. This is the best place you can be from Asia and Europe. It’s winter in Europe and to be racing here is so nice,” Tops said.
Marco Danese, the Sports Director, LGCT, said: ““We saw the riders competing last week. I have to say we were surprised by quality of riding and the horses were more fresh. They are used to competing more frequently and they couldn’t do that last year.”
He added: “The level of the riders is very high and that shows the top of our sport. We have Olympic champions and LGCT champions here. I think we will have a fantastic show again like last week. It’s a fantastic thing what Al Shaqab does for our sport at the top level. Every year there’s something new for the riders. The riders are very happy to come here.”
Besides the main events involving international entries, Qatari riders will also be seen in action during competitions of the national Hathab Series, according to Omar Al Mannai, Event Director, and Commercial Manager, Al Shaqab.
“We have 48 international riders. We have in excess of 100 riders competing in the Hathab leg of the series. I have to say the technical level shown by riders was excellent during CHI Al Shaqab. I believe it will be the same when it comes to LGCT events,” Al Mannai informed.
“We are hosting big events and that serves as an inspiration and we see good talent coming through. But besides this event, we also host the national Longines Hathab tour. We are into the fourth season and it is growing very fast. There is a lot of interest from horse loving community in Qatar,” Al Mannai said.