Grand Prix Saturday of the Longines Global Champions Tour got off to a sparkling start as home rider Michael Whitaker (GBR) and Elie van de Kolmen flew to victory in the Massimo Dutti Prix CSI5* speed class in front of a very supportive British crowd who gasped and cheered as he dared his mare to turn tighter and faster. Second place went to World No1 Scott Brash and Hello Annie, who led the competition from mid-way through the draw with an impressive round which looked like it would’t be beaten. Third went to Tiffany Foster and Victor who had led the way from early on only to be pipped at the post by the two home stars.
The Uliano Vezzani course was twisty and technical. Sixteen of the 32 starters jumped clear and the top three riders all finished within 0.22s of each other. The spectators got to their feet as Whitaker took his lap of honour in appreciation of his daring round. Many have predicted a British win this afternoon in the Longines Global Champions Tour of London Grand Prix presented by Qatar. With Scott Brash in strong form and currently carrying two LGCT Grand Prix wins this season he looks like the man to beat here at Horse Guards Parade Ground.
