Only 3 points separate current ranking leader Luciana Diniz (POR) and World No1 Scott Brash (GBR). Both riders have rolled out the big guns for today’s €400,000 Grand Prix Presented by Qatar. Scott will be riding his extraordinary Olympic gold medal horse Hello Sanctos and Luciana will be on her Grand Prix star Fit For Fun. But with the world’s leading riders at the sparkling new venue of Syon Park, known as London’s ‘Downton Abbey’, the competition will be world class this afternoon. It is a truly star-studded line-up at the 200-acre private estate of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland in west London. And some of the great equine stars of our time will be performing in today’s 1.60m Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix Presented by Qatar.
There is a fascinating battle between Christian Ahlmann (GER) and Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al Thani (QAT) with only three points separating these two top riders. Taloubet Z will be ridden by Ahlmann and the rider, currently third on the overall season ranking on 172 points, will be looking for more points to push him closer to Luciana and Scott. Sheikh Ali is riding the his champion bay mare Vienna Olympic and will be looking to improve on his 169 points and 4th position on the ranking so far this season. Hot on their heels is Rolf-Goran Bengtsson (SWE) who has ensured he has some serious horse power in London with his champion bay stallion Casall ASK.
Other strong contenders near the top of the ranking are Bertram Allen, Pius Schwizer, Simon Delestre and British show jumping hero John Whitaker. With Ludger Beerbaum, Beezie Madden, Kevin Staut, Ben Maher, Daniel Deusser, Edwina Tops-Alexander, Marcus Ehning in the Grand Prix it is set to be a nailbiting high calibre competition.
Uliano Vezzani will once again set a challenging technical course in the sand arena at Syon Park next to the world famous Kew Gardens on the banks of the River Thames. The stunning Syon House, which has been in the family of the Duke of Northumberland for over 400 years, is another spectacular location on the 2015 calendar. In August the championship moves to the home of the Tour, Valkenswaard in The Netherlands, from 13th to 16th August for the unveiling of the stunning new equestrian facility and the 12th Grand Prix of the circuit.