© Stefano Grasso/LGCT

LGCT Ranking Leader Christian Ahlmann looks to be on phenomenal form ahead of this evening’s Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix du Prince de Monaco presented by Sapinda, after a stunning speed class win with his grey 10 year old gelding Caruso. The top German rider rode a fast and careful round in the 1.45/ 1.50m Prix Casino de Monte-Carlo, finishing over two seconds ahead of closest rival Marlon Zanotelli and Madame Butterfly. 

With the big striding grey, Christian was able to make full use of the tight arena, galloping at the imposing fences and keeping a steady rhythm throughout. The pair set the pace early on, with Christian fourth to go, and rode clear in 56.87s. 

A few of the big names were caught out ahead of the Grand Prix, with John Whitaker (GBR) and Lord of Arabia, Bertram Allen (IRL), Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (SWE) and Pius Schwizer (SUI) all catching poles on the tricky course. 

Marlon Zanotelli (BRA) and Madame Butterfly were the closest to Christian’s time, but couldn’t match the World Number 2. Marlon guided his mare through the twisty course, stopping the clocks at 58.95s. Third place went to Pieter Devos with Equipharma Dax van d’Abdijhoeve, with the Belgian rider less than a second behind in 59.55s. Other notable names to watch for in the Grand Prix were Janne-Friederike Meyer (GER), Gonzalo Añón Suarez (ESP), Jane Richard Philips (SUI) and Eduardo Menezes (BRA). 

The Grand Prix will kick off at 18:30 local time, with a field of 42 world class riders take centre stage in the intimate sand arena. Tune in via GCT TV to watch all the action live, and Live from the second round on Eurosport.

Source: LGCT

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