© Stefano Grasso/LGCT

Many of the most famous show jumping stars in the world are in action this weekend, along with 9 out of the top 10 riders in the world at the Longines Global Champions Tour of Madrid. Top names include Kent Farrington’s Voyeur Simon Delestre’s Hermes Ryan, Christian Ahlmann’s top stallion Taloubet Z, Ludger Beerbaum’s grey mare Chiara, and last year’s winning combination of Marcus Ehning and Pret a Tout.

Ahead of the three day competition the equestrian athletes completed their vet check successfully, with the world’s best ready for action in the stunning grass arena. Jerome Guery’s LGCT Miami Beach Grand Prix winning horse Grand Cru van de Rosenberg will be back in action, as will Eric Lamaze’s Fine Lady. Scott Brash brings two of his top mares, Hello M’Lady and Hello Annie, and Sheikh Ali Bin Khalid Al Thani will compete with his Olympic horse First Devision.

The galloping grass arena is best suited to the most brave hearted horses, with athleticism and fitness playing a big part in who will likely come out on top this weekend. Maikel van der Vleuten brings his 2014 LGCT Madrid Grand Prix winning horse VDL Groep Verdi TN N.O.P. and Nicola Philippaerts brings the big striding and powerful Chilli Willi, another combination who did well earlier this season.

Current LGCT Ranking leader Lorenzo de Luca brings a formidable line up, with Armitages Boy and Limestone Grey and Bertram Allen will compete with his top mare, the speedy Molly Malone.

All the action kicks off with the first CSI5* competition at 14:15 local time, with the Global Champions League first round live at 17:30. Tune in via GCT and GCL TV for exclusive content, behind the scenes footage and expert analysis, as the Longines Global Champions Tour of Madrid takes off.

Source: LGCT website
 

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