The stage is set for an exhilarating equestrian spectacle as the world's top riders converge upon Royal Hospital Chelsea for the highly anticipated Longines Global Champions Tour of London, taking place from August 10th to 13th, 2023. The world’s premier horses and riders will soon start arriving in one of the world's great capital cities, London, for the 13th round of action on the Longines Global Champions Tour.
Set in the grounds of the historic Royal Hospital Chelsea - home of the much loved Chelsea Pensioners and location for the famous Chelsea Flower Show - the battle for the 2023 title Championship is set to reach fever pitch.
With the top four contenders in the LGCT Championship race all present in London this weekend it is set to be a dramatic weekend of sport. The current overall ranking leader Maikel van der Vleuten will be looking to capitalise on his tally of 231 points, and is certainly a strong contender this weekend - the rider clearly on form. Christian Kukuk sits in a close second place with 205 points while their closest rivals will be Harrie Smolders and world number one Henrik von Eckermann on 194 and 181 points respectively. They will also be fending off the likes of Daniel Deusser, Christian Ahlmann, Simon Delestre, Edwina Tops-Alexander, Angelica Augustsson Zanotelli, Gregory Wathelet, Jessica Springsteen, Philipp Weishaupt, Niels Bruynseels and Olivier Philippaerts.
The great duel between Scott Brash and Ben Maher will be played out at the prestigious venue and both are hungry to add another LGCT Grand Prix of London win to their accolades. In previous years, it has been a two-horse race to the finish, with Brash and Maher vying for the top spot in front of passionate home crowds who saw nerves jangle with excitement until the final fence.
But the British riders will be out in force, with two Whitakers competing in the CSI5* competitions - John and Jack. They will be joined by Joseph Stockdale, Lily Attwood, Jodie Hall Macatteer, Matthew Sampson, Oliver Fletcher, William Funnell and James Smith.
Historically, the London event has seen five British winners in the eight times it has been held but this year with a stella line up including past LGCT Grand Prix of London winners Pieter Devos and Peder Fredricson back from injury, will an international superstar buck the trend and take a win on British soil?
Source: LGCT