An all-star line-up of nine of the world's Top Ten riders will compete at the highly-anticipated initial leg of the 2014 Longines Global Champions Tour of Antwerp, from 24-27 April. Of the world's Top Ten, Scott Brash, Ben Maher, Ludger Beerbaum, Marcus Ehning, Steve Guerdat, Kent Farrington, Kevin Staut, Patrice Delaveau and Daniel Deusser will all be making their LGCT season debut in Belgium's diamond city next month. With around €9 million (US $12 million) in prize money up for grabs this season, the ground-breaking 2014 Championship is sure to produce exhilarating, world-class sport from start to finish. World Number One and reigning LGCT Champion Scott Brash will be looking to make a strong start to his 2013 LGCT title defence in six weeks time. The Scotsman gave a masterful performance to claim the overall Championship crown and the Doha Grand Prix last November, and has maintained his run of good form ever since. "Last year was fantastic for me," said Scott. "If I can do that again, I will be delighted. It's such a wonderful series, in all these great cities around the world, and I have fantastic horses right now." Hot on Scott's heels is World Number Two Ben Maher, who has had an incredible winter season in Florida winning back-to-back grand prix, and closing the gap between himself and his fellow 2012 London Olympic Gold medal-winning teammate. However, with 26 of the Longines FEI World Ranking Top 30 riders set to give their all in Antwerp's impressive port-side arena setting, the competition will be some of the very best that show jumping has to offer. The Longines Global Champions Tour of Antwerp will welcome the top names in show jumping, including current European Champion Roger-Yves Bost, 2012 double Olympic Silver medallist Gerco Schröder, double Olympic Gold medallist McLain Ward, double Olympic Silver medallist Rolf-Göran Bengtsson and Number One Belgian rider Gregory Wathelet. 2013 LGCT Championship runner-up Christian Ahlmann, and 3rd placed Laura Kraut will also be competing. For the current 5* rider listing for LGCT Antwerp, please click here. You can buy tickets for LGCT Antwerp here. source: press release GCT
