Earlier we already gave some fun facts about the upcoming Longines Global Champions Tour in Antwerp. But did you know the following about last week's Longines Global Champions Tour in Miami. The first LGCT on American soil. In contrast to most Global Champion Tour competitions the General Admission was free. A VIP section lines the long side of the ring with the best views of the ocean, and one short side has a riders’ lounge and press area, but the other short side of the ring has bleachers that seat 700 people that are open to the public. Also, spectators can watch from over the low rail separating the ring from the beach and the ocean. All day long, skimpily clad beachgoers peek over and watch the horses jump. Maybe more interesting to know is that the OC is planning to organise the event again. “To come again to Miami is our goal and our plan,” said Michael Morrissey of Stadium Jumping, the organizer of the Invitational. “The team that [GCT president and founder Jan Tops] put together is second to nobody. Because of the great team that he has assembled, I think the production of this is second to nobody in this country.” But let's talk about money for a moment... There’s a total of $879,500 in prize money up for grabs in five classes in the five-star CSI, spread over three days. That includes the $600,000 Longines GCT of Miami, the $127,000 American Invitational, an $84,500 1.50-meter welcome class and two $34,000 1.45-meter classes Many of the biggest names of the five-star classes compete for free, and are flown over by the GCT to show with multiple horses.
