The 2023 Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL seasons officially opened in Doha. This seventeenth season also marks the first edition of the new format being implemented, which should benefit horses, riders and also spectators.
This seventeenth season will see the introduction of a new weekend format that will benefit the horses, riders and spectators. Marco Danese, Global Champions Sports Director explained the importance of the change: “We changed the format of the competition after many years. The goal of the new schedule is to separate the days of GCL and the LGCT Grand Prix. With both rounds of GCL on same day the goal is to create more attention and strategy for teams in the league. It is fantastic as it makes it easy for the riders, TV, media and spectators so they can talk about the two highlights on different days."
World-renowned rider Ludger then commented on the new format saying: “I agree with Global Champions' decision to separate the League and the Grand Prix on different days. It also makes it so easy for the public to understand and follow. Creating two sport highlights which I think is a good idea.”
On kicking off the LGCT season, last year's LGCT Doha Grand Prix winner Ludger Beerbaum said, "I have been coming to this event in Doha since day one and look forward to coming back every year. It really is a unique venue, all the horses like to come here, it has great facilities that are state of the art. It's just world class and that's why we all love coming back every year. It's simple, it's a great place to compete.
"You have the best combinations of horses and riders here, so exciting sport is guaranteed. I would love to repeat what I did last year, but it will be difficult with the level of competition here."
Source & Photo: GCL