Longines Global Champions Tour gallops into Qatar for opening leg of 2024 edition at Al Shaqab

DOHA - THE 2024 Longines Global Champions Tour and the Global Champions Tour season was launched at Al Shaqab on Tuesday.

Hosted at the esteemed glorious Longines Arena of Al Shaqab, the prestigious opening event promises unparalleled equestrian excellence and thrills from February 29 to March 2, 2024.

At the launch press conference, Protocol & Public Relations Manager Dr. Fahad Al Hajri welcomed the officials and guests.

Mohammed Jaber Al Khayarin, Event Director, expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “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 modernize whilst preserving heritage, traditions and values, and urging our society to engage in equestrian sports.”

Longines Global Champions Tour, Jan Tops, Founder and President, emphasised the significance of the occasion, saying, “As we embark on another season of elite show jumping, every year the Longines 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 globalcircuit it makes you the world champion in our sport. We are grateful for the unwavering support of our sponsors, particularly Longines, whose commitment enables us to elevate  the sport to new heights”

Marco Danese, Sports Director of the Longines 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 hugequality 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,  dwina TopsAlexander, two-time Longines Global Champions Tour Champion and previous LGCT 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 esteemed Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) comes right after the highly successful end of the 11th Edition of the CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines; a momentous stride in Qatar’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence in sports and entertainment, aligning seamlessly with its rich heritage of horsemanship.

The event promises a convergence of elite riders, majestic horses, and entertained spectators from across the globe who are set to enthrall visitors with the best of showjumping feats and displays.

This year’s competition is supported by the Presenting Partner, Longines, and Main Sponsor, ExxonMobil Qatar. The event’s additional supporters are Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha (Hospitality Partner) SOCAST (Exclusive Social Media  artner), Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana. Co (Transportation Partners), Equine Veterinary Medical Center (Official Veterinary Partner), and Aspetar (Official Medical Partner). For the full 3-day schedule of events, visit www.alshaqab. com.
 

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