LGCT Doha 2023

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Creating Opportunities

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ARENA AT AL SHAQAB | QATAR
MARCH 2023
DOHA LONGINES
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LGCT EXPLAINED

GCL EXPLAINED

34 6 LGCT DOHA DISCOVER AL SHAQAB 22 14 50 13 48 10 42 08 16 54 18 58 59 60 24 26 28 30
SERIES GC CALENDAR NEXT STOP MIAMI BEACH DISCOVER DOHA LGCT HALL OF FAME
MATTHIAS BRESCHAN GCTV CHASING THE DREAM
JAN TOPS EVENT SPOTLIGHT
LGCT
MEET
MEET
AL ATTIYA TIMETABLE
MEET KHALIFA
RIDERSLIST PARTNERS
MEET MARCO DANESE
Summary CONTENT LONGINES COLLECTION
GCL TEAMS

WELCOME TO

The 2023 Season

Three continents, 13 countries, 16 destinations, more than €36 million in prize money, two championship races, one aweinspiring season. From the Middle East to the Americas and world-famous destinations in the heart of Europe, the 2023 Longines Global Champions Tour cements the circuit’s powerful global footprint in some of the most spectacular venues around the world.

Once again visiting iconic capital cities, world-renowned destinations and breathtaking Riviera settings, the 2023 Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL will bring a plethora of show jumping, hospitality and entertainment at the highest level to fans around the world.

The 2023 season launches in Doha , the Qatari capital in the heart of the metropolitan Middle East, before heading across the globe to the most famous beach in the world - Miami Beach. Closely followed by a cultural smorgasbord in Mexico for the third leg, followed by a 10-strong series of events across the heart of Europe.

From Madrid to Ramatuelle/St. Tropez, Cannes, Stockholm, Paris, Monaco to Risenbeck, the latest addition to the LGCT and GCL Tour. From there the iconic Royal Hospital Chelsea London plays host to the 11th leg of the 2023 season. The Championship race is then seen hitting a new gear at the home of show jumping in Valkenswaard, jetting off to Rome, New York City, Riyadh and the culmination of the year’s sporting action in the ultimate final showdown in Prague, Czech Republic.

Once again, precision, power and elegance are combined in two thrilling championship battles. LGCT and GCL winners, Olympic medallists and World Champions all compete in the highest echelon of the sport with the ultimate aim of a coveted podium finish at each leg of the 16-event strong season.

Embarking on the seventh year, the GCL sees 16 teams on the starting grid, comprising the best horse and rider combinations in the world. With strategies and planning detailed to the finest precision, rivalry between teams is greater than ever, producing an electric atmosphere at events that truly has to be seen to be believed.

Team spirit and tactics being the key to earning championship honours, horses and riders will be faced with challenging tracks as sporting super fans set to be treated to a highly-charged season in unforgettable destinations.

For those that can’t join the tour, all the sporting drama will unfold live on GCTV which will continue to innovate with new technology taking fans backstage with the stars at the extraordinary events world-wide.

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Doha

QATAR

For the fifth year running Doha, Qatar is the stage for the electrifying opening leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL season.

As the ultimate season launch pad, the state-of-the-art Al Shaqab equestrian facility takes the LGCT & GCL into the heart of metropolitan Middle East. Having joined the tour in 2008, the LGCT of Doha is one of the longest standing events as a favourite for domestic and international competitors alike.

Qatar continues to build on its reputation as a global sports destination. Featuring top-level events like the Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL, coupled with the success of hosting the 2022 FIFA Football World Cup, the city is cemented as a destination on the sporting world stage.

Founded by His Highness the Father Emir, the spectacular venue in Al Shaqab sees the best athletes in the world kickstart their campaign for the prestigious 2023 LGCT and GCL titles, as riders and teams battle for supremacy in the Championship series.

A fascinating city that combines desert landscapes with glittering architecture, Doha is the hub of Qatar, located on the east coast of Qatar Peninsula in the Persian Gulf. With an intriguing mix of traditions and modern wonders to explore, coupled with state-of-the-art equestrian facilities, Doha is the ultimate destination for the kick off of the 2023 Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL season.

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DISCOVER

Elegance is an attitude

12 THE LONGINES MASTER COLLECTION
Jennifer Lawrence
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Matthias Breschan

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Equestrian Sports Enthusiasts,

On behalf of the Longines management, I would like to extend to you a very warm welcome to the 1st leg of the 2023 Longines Global Champions Tour in Doha, Qatar. We promise you many memorable sports moments with breathtaking performances to be delivered at this eagerly awaited event.

As the Title Partner, Official Timekeeper and Official Watch of this prestigious event, we will continue to be a dedicated supporter of showjumping and reinforce Longines’ longstanding ties with the equestrian world that date back to 1869. To further embrace the rich heritage of this revered discipline, we are pleased to cement the event’s world-class status with our unwavering commitment to precision and excellence, the same values that have been shared by many leading athletes in equestrian sports. This year again, we look forward to supporting the foremost riders vying for success in the first stage of the Longines Global Champions Tour and attending three days of enthralling competitions, from 2nd to 4th March 2023 in the stunning city of Doha.

On this very special occasion, we would like to highlight the Official Watch of the event, a delicate model of The Longines Master Collection. Distinguished by its elegance, character and purity, this refined creation for women featuring a moon phase indicator perfectly combines Longines’ watchmaking sophistication and tradition to delight those wishing to pursue both fine watchmaking and timeless style.

I wish you a weekend filled with wonderful sports moments at the Longines Global Champions Tour, where top-level show jumping meets the unique atmosphere of Doha. I hope this event will leave you lasting memories.

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MEET
LONGINES CEO
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MEET

Jan Tops

I am proud to present the opening stage of the 2023 Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL season at the impressive Longines Arena at AL Shaqab.

Global Champions has been coming to Doha since 2008, and we are proud to continue to grow the sport all over the world and in Qatar. We are delighted to return to Al Shaqab, a venue in a league of its own that supports top sport in its design and operation.

The 2023 LGCT and GCL season is again presented around the world, in 16 unique, beautiful and world-class destinations. We are committed to growing the performance, knowledge and fan base of our sport at a rapid pace, to result in many exciting new opportunities for the years to come.

With the combination of top sport, thrilling entertainment, brilliant venues, fantastic fans, unpresidented prize money and electric atmospheres, I am confident the year ahead will see the return of the highest level of sporting action from both equine and human athletes, in the pursuit of the coveted LGCT and GCL Championship Titles.

I would like to thank our Title Partner and Official Timekeeper Longines for their long-term commitment to our circuit and also my gratitude to Al Shaqab and Exxon Mobil - without your support it would not be possible to kick off the 2023 season in Doha in such style. And finally I wish all our fans an enjoyable first event of the year whether you are joining us here in Doha or watching on GCTV live streaming.

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FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT LGCT AND GCL
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MEET

Khalifa Al Attiya

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AL SHAQAB

First held in Qatar in 2008, Al Shaqab is immensely proud to be associated with the LGCT series. Hosting premier equestrian events such as LGCT, not only bears testament to Qatar’s status as an international sporting hub, but also Al Shaqab’s drive towards fulfilling its vision of being a leading global centre for equine excellence. At the same time, it helps instil in the broader Qatar community a love for the equestrian arts, in keeping with the country’s tradition and heritage.

None of this would be possible without the support of sponsors, officials, media and other stakeholders. The Al Shaqab and the LGCT Organizing Teams have worked together tirelessly to ensure the success of the event and that spectators will leave with memorable experiences. To all involved, I wish to express my sincere appreciation for a job well done.

I would also like to say a special thank you to the spectators, especially those who have been supporting us over the years, who are here with us not only to witness top athletes and riders of showjumping but also to enjoy the family-centred atmosphere of the festival area with fun-filled activities and entertainment.

Finally, to the athletes, I wish you all the best and I look forward to watching you light up the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab with your thrilling performances.

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LUDGER BEERBAUM

LGCT DOHA GRAND PRIX WINNER, 2022

i have had a few wins in my career but this one is probably one of the most emotional ones… i cannot tell you how much i enjoy this moment.

DISCOVER AL SHAQAB

The iconic Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation, will again provide the perfect stage for the spectacular launch of the Longines Global Champions Tour 2023 season.

His Highness The Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani established Al Shaqab in 1992 to help preserve and perpetuate the Arabian horse breed. He sought to ensure the Arabian horse would continue to play a leading role in the cultural heritage of the Qatari people.

Specifically designed to honor the distinguished, classic beauty and treasured versatility of the Arabian breed, Al Shaqab bred three World Champion stallions in a very short space of time - Gazal Al Shaqab, Al Adeed Al Shaqab and Marwan Al Shaqab. Today, the champion offspring of those stallions have gone on to enhance the pedigrees of Arabian horses in both Qatar and around the globe.

In 2004, Al Shaqab became a member of Qatar Foundation, and remains passionately committed to preserving Qatar’s heritage, by promoting the Arabian horse and setting the highest standards in horse welfare, breeding, and show, while providing innovative equine education and research, and fostering community engagement.

Based on three guiding principles - Excellence, Education, and Heritage - Al Shaqab began a visionary expansion in 2006 with the development of a world-class equine center. A venue like no other, Al Shaqab stands out for its unique architecture, and is laid out in a horseshoe shape over 980,000 square meters.

Now recognized internationally as one of the world’s leading equestrian destinations, Al Shaqab has reinforced its reputation as a premier competition venue bar none, regularly featuring the world’s finest horses and riders as they compete at the highest levels of their sport.

Al Shaqab’s tradition of equestrian excellence, coupled with the unmatched and exhilarating atmosphere generated by the Longines Arena during competition, makes the venue the ideal location for the world’s best riders and horses to kick off what promises to be another exciting LGCT season.

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Preserving and Celebrating the Arabian Horse

Al Shaqab was established in 1992 by the now Father Emir, HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, with a mission to improve and perpetuate the Arabian breed by setting new standards in breeding and equestrian sport, as well as encouraging community participation.

On the site of Qatar’s original royal stables, Al Shaqab has grown over recent years into a vast equestrian center with outstanding facilities, beautiful grounds, and an architecturally spectacular arena – a venue for major events on the global equestrian calendar.

But beyond all this, a visit to Al Shaqab will help you truly appreciate the beauty, athleticism and good nature of the purebred Arabian horse.

Scan the QR to learn more about Al Shaqab Equestrian Center.

LONGINES GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR 2023 THE ULTIMATE INDIVIDUAL CHALLENGE

Explained

As the 2023 season of the Longines Global Champions Tour kicks off, the ultimate individual championship race begins. With 16-stops on the 2023 tour, horses and riders will be challenged by technical courses, new arenas, unique backdrops and fierce competition.

Top talent, both equine and human, return to the Longines Global Champions Tour in 2023 in pursuit of individual glory. Opening in Doha, the tour spans the continents of Asia, Europe and The Americas, delivering unbeatable venues for the best in show jumping.

From Doha, the tour then visits the likes of Miami Beach, Mexico City and into the heart of Europe to locations such as Monaco, Paris, St. Tropez, Stockholm, London, Risenbeck and Tops International Arena in Valkenswaard, just to name a few.

The undercurrent of all events is the race to the Final. Hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital city, for the second year, points earned by riders on each stop on the tour contribute to the result of the overall championship.

Won by Ben Maher in 2022, in what was labelled the Trifecta of Championships, Maher wrote himself into the history books by taking out his third Longines Global Champions Tour Champion of Champions title.

In a secondary race for glory, riders, owners and trainers alike will be looking to get their hands on a Golden Ticket, a qualification for the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix at the GC Prague Playoffs in November. Only 15 tickets up for grabs in 2023, with each winner earning one through a win in a Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix, if riders claim top podium position in more than one LGCT Grand Prix, the golden ticket is then handed down to the second placed rider.

As one of the highlights of each event on the Longines Global Champions Tour, the LGCT Grand Prix attracts jumping’s top riders team up with their best horses for individual honours in a series of spectacular competitions on the tour.

All eyes now look ahead to the 16-leg tour this year, with the question on everyone’s lips… who will reach pole position on the leaderboard and earn the coveted title of Champion of Champions in 2023?

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The height of LGCT Grand Prix jumps will be set at 1.60m

Riders may choose to ride the horse of theirs best suited to the event, rather than having to stick to one mount throughout the year

40 horse and rider combinations will qualify for each LGCT Grand Prix by competing in the 5* classes preceding championship day

Throughout the year, points are allocated to each of the 40 riders according to their finishing place in each event’s LGCT Grand Prix over the season. Each rider’s top eight scores count towards the overall championship ranking and a share of the bonus prize money

Riders compete to win their share in over €36 million over the course of the 2023 Longines Global Champions Tour

Each LGCT Grand Prix winner, or the next highest ranked athlete, secures a Golden Ticket and qualifies for the Super Grand Prix at the final showdown of the year, the GC Prague Playoffs.

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GCL 2023 SHOW JUMPING’S GREATEST TEAM CHALLENGE

Explained

2023 is shaping up to be an exciting season, with GCL again welcoming 16 teams to the 16-event series set to battle it down in the championship race.

In the months leading up to the kick off of the 2023 season, strategy for success has been front of mind for Team Owners and Managers, who have been refining their approach to kick off what is set to be a highly charged year ahead.

This year sees a change in the GCL series with the introduction of a new weekend format, designed to benefit both horse, rider and team strategy. The biggest change will see Round 1 and Round 2 of the GCL team series now take place on the same day with again no drop score.

A BRIEF GUIDE TO GCL

Launched in 2016, the GCL brings together the world’s best horse and rider combinations from across the world from different nationalities riding on the same teams, rather than decided by country. Each team must feature an U25 rider, providing young talent of today, and future world champions of tomorrow, a launchpad of opportunity to ride, train and build camaraderie amongst their idols and the best in the business.

Each stop on the tour sees the teams compete in two rounds. In true championship style, the team’s combined scores from Round

1 are taken through into Round 2. The easy format of no drop score makes it simple for new audiences in each destination to follow the team competition.

Round 1 of the GCL will see riders faced with a CSI 5* 1.55m class, with team managers strategizing for their best approach for a day of intense competition.

A short break between Round 1 and Round 2 could see strategic changes from Team Managers, who can swap in horses and/or riders between the back to back rounds, ultimately producing a highly competitive Round 2.

Round 2 of the GCL takes place straight after Round 1, is a CSI 5* 1.60m class. In Round 2, teams will be represented by two riders from their team, with scores and points at the end of the competition ultimately going towards their overall team score, and series standing.

Throughout the year teams earn points to the overall total and series standings which comes to a head in the Final in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The teams placed in the top four after the Final will be granted a fast track place at the GC Prague Playoffs for the GCL Super Cup Semi Finals, the ultimate final show-down.

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The GCL competition will take place on the second-last day of competition at the majority of the events on the 2023 calendar

Each team can be represented by three riders at every event with only two riders competing in each round

Teams are represented by two riders per round, with all scores counting to the final standings

Round 2 will see teams carry through their penalties from Round 1, ultimately deciding the starting order for Round 2

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The overall winners of the GCL competition will be the team with the least combined penalties and the quickest time over Round 2

The series culminates in the GC Prague Playoffs where the teams ranked 5th and below will compete in the first day GCL Super Cup Quarter Final, with only eight teams carrying through to the next day’s competition - the Semi Final. They will be joined by the top four ranked teams in the overall season Championship, and battle to finish in the top six, making it through to the Final. Here the winning team will be crowned GCL Super Cup winners.

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MEET

Marco Danese

SPORTS DIRECTOR - GLOBAL CHAMPIONS

Hi Marco, please introduce yourself!

I’m Marco Danese, I am the Sports Director at Global Champions. I have been with the company since 2010, and am responsible for all sport matters of the Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL.

What does a day in the life of Marco Danese look like? Between events, my role primarily involves preparation of each event - in contact with the local organisers, the National Federations and the FEI.

With 16 LGCT and GCL events in the year, there definitely isn’t much room for anything else except seeing my family when I can!

It certainly steps up a gear while we are at an event, and my role encompasses working with the Global Champions team to coordinate the competition and all sport matters throughout the weekend. I supervise all the team members involved with the sport aspect of the events.

What are you most excited for this year?

We are always looking for ways to strengthen Global Champions, and have worked on a new format that benefits both the sport and experience for spectators.

Having both rounds of the GCL on the same day with all scores counting allows strategies for horse and riders to come into play over the weekend even more than before, with an added benefit of making it really easy for the public to follow.

Of the 16 events on tour, which is your favourite? Yes, you can only choose one!

My favourite event is Prague. I think it brings something special to our sport with its unique format combining sport at the very highest level and entertainment. It is the show that all riders want to take part in and the public want to come watch.

What are your predictions for the year ahead?

I was really excited when I saw the 2023 GCL teams unveiled, I think there is a great mix of experience and fresh talent. As per last year, we are looking forward to seeing the U25 perform at the top level!

Any final words?

I hope you all enjoy what the 2023 Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL have to offer. This year is shaping up to be a big one and I can’t wait to see the Championship race unfold.

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INTRODUCING GCL TEAMS 2023

INTRODUCING GCL TEAMS 2023

INTRODUCING GCL TEAMS 2023

INTRODUCING GCL TEAMS 2023

A BOLDLY FEMININE TIMEPIECE FROM

The Longines Master Collection

THE OFFICIAL WATCH OF THE 2023 LONGINES GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR IN DOHA, QATAR.

During the 1st leg of the 2023 Longines Global Champions Tour in Doha, Longines is proud to present a moon phase model for women from one of its emblematic lines known for its watchmaking expertise - The Longines Master Collection. Since the success of the men’s moon phase models of the line, Longines took on the challenge of fitting a moonphase indicator in a 34 mm case and skillfully achieved this technical feat while ensuring the exquisite expression of elegance of the timepieces for women. This vivacious blend of technical sophistication and pure feminine elegance will entice women wishing to pursue both fine watchmaking and timeless style.

A consummate display of elegance, character and purity, this model of The Longines Master Collection is both feminine and technical, showcasing the brand’s success of incorporating the aesthetic codes and watchmaking complications into one refined creation. Known for its watchmaking excellence, Longines endows this iconic line with a wide range of exclusive mechanical movements, highlighting the watchmaking tradition that the brand holds dear.

This sophisticated model is distinguished by its elegant appeal and, in particular, a watchmaking complication hidden in its 34 mm case – a moonphase indicator. Fitting a moonphase indicator and a date hand at 6 o’clock in a case of this size was a real technical challenge made possible with Longines’ longstanding

watchmaking expertise. The mechanism is powered by a selfwinding mechanical movement that offers fundamental gains in terms of precision and reliability; the exclusive L899 automatic caliber is fitted with a light and non-magnetic silicon balance spring that is hard-wearing and impervious to thermal expansion. This meticulously designed timepiece is perfectly suited to the wrist of women looking to stand out from the crowd with their strong will and character or simply looking naturally elegant in their everyday lives.

Attractive for its captivating radiance, the mother-of-pearl dial echoes in harmony the luster of brilliant cut diamond hour markers. Reinforced by the aesthetic codes of The Longines Master Collection, the silver “barleycorn” pattern of the dial subtly adds dimension and contrast to the painted Arabic numerals and silvered polished hands, achieving an overall distinctive look. Suffused with elegance and tradition, this timepiece offers optimal visibility with its sapphire glass with multi-layered anti-reflective coating on both sides of its case. The 72 hours of power reserve was designed to ensure the robustness of the model, further underscoring the uncompromising quality and reliability of Longines’ timepieces. Fitted on a red alligator leather strap, this creation mirrors the timeless elegance and finest watchmaking tradition that come together for Longines’ tireless quest for excellence in its timepieces.

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WORLD’S MOST DYNAMIC EQUESTRIAN SPORT SERIES

IN UNIQUE DESTINATIONS WORLDWIDE

Dedicated to the Health and Welfare of Your Horse

The first specialist facility of its kind in the Middle East, the Equine Veterinary Medical Center comprises an equine referral hospital, veterinary diagnostic laboratory, and clinical research laboratory.

EVMC is a member of Qatar Foundation – located within the equestrian campus of Al Shaqab and dedicated to equine welfare, research and education. Its specialist team offers clinical and emergency services, with imaging technology and surgical theatres on-site.

A range of services are offered at the Equine Veterinary Medical Center which include Ambulatory, Pharmacy, Podiatry/Farriery, Dentistry, Diagnostic Imaging, Advanced Reproduction, Internal Medicine, Surgery and Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation.

Scan the QR to learn more about the Equine Veterinary Medical Center.

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TOP SPORT AND INTENSE TEAM RIVALRY

GLOBAL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

LGCT GRAND PRIX OF DOHA HALL OF FAME

2008

Denis Lynch & Lantinus 3

2009

Michel Robert & Kellemoi De Pepita

2011

Doda de Miranda & AD Ashleigh Drossel Dan

2012

Edwina Tops-Alexander & Cevo Itot du Château

2013

Scott Brash & Hello Sanctos

2014

Rolf-Göran Bengtsson & Casall ASK

2015

Luciana Diniz & Fit For Fun 13

2016

Rolf-Göran Bengtsson & Casall ASK

2017

Bassem Mohammed & Gunder

2018

Ben Maher & Explosion W

2019

Julien Epaillard & Usual Suspect d’Auge

2020

Daniel Deusser & Killer Queen VDM

2021

Niels Bruynseels & Delux van T & L

2022

Ludger Beerbaum & Mila

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GCL OF DOHA HALL OF FAME

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2016 Paris Jets 2017 Valkenswaard United
Be Decided
2023 To
2022 Stockholm Hearts 2018 London Knights 2019 Shanghai Swans 2020 London Knights 2021 Valkenswaard United

LGCT DOHA 2022 IN PICTURES

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NEXT STOP

Miami Beach

As the second stop on the 2023 Longines Global Champions Tour taking place from 12 - 15 April, the glittering waters of the Atlantic Ocean and white sand of Miami Beach draw huge crowds, stiff competition and top-tier hospitality.

Horse and riders travel to the high-profile US destination, as the first of two American stops on the 16-leg Championship and undoubtedly one of the most highly sought-after by competitors and spectators alike.

With a dazzling display of top-level sport in the CSI 2* and CSI 5* classes, a shop-till-you-drop village destination, coupled with flowing food and beverages in the Global Champions Lounge and VIP areas, it certainly is the destination of choice for many followers of the Tour.

With one side of the arena a free-viewing area for the members of the public, fans flock to the sands to see their heroes up close, with hundreds of thousands of sporting superfans tuning into the live stream on GCTV.

Previous LGCT Grand Prix winners have included Katerin Eckermann, Edwina Tops-Alexander and Pieter Devos, while GCL winners have included the home team Miami Celtics, Prague Lions and Berlin Eagles.

Riders are fighting for a golden ticket to the GC Prague Playoffs, where each individual winner will earn a place in the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix - the ultimate face-off in November where the season’s winning riders will battle for the lion’s share of €1.25 million euros.

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CHASING THE DREAM

LIVING LIFE IN THE FAST LANE

Ever wondered what goes through the minds of the world’s top young show jumping riders when performing on the world stage? Following the highs, lows, thrills and spills of Under 25 riders competing in the 2022 GCL team series, Chasing The Dream gives viewers unlimited access to all the drama inside and outside of the ring.

Competing against the best in the business in the most iconic destinations around the world, Global Champions has followed the next generation in an F1’s ‘Drive to Survive’ type series. Following the young riders as they prepare for, tackle, and look back on the biggest classes of their careers to date, such as the GCL teams’ series and Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix, all while riding alongside & against their idols.

Available exclusively on GCTV, get intimate access to the rising stars in one of the world’s greatest show jumping series, Chasing The Dream. Revealing the true stories of some of the best U25 riders vying to achieve their dreams and become top riders under pressure, it is not one to be missed.

Episode 1: STARS ON THE RISE

Episode 2: U25 CLUB: COMRADES & RIVALS

Episode 3: TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK

Episode 4: DO DREAMS COME TRUE?

Episode 5: PRAGUE SPECIAL: ALL OR NOTHING!

Featuring: Harry Charles, Michael Pender, Jack Whitaker, Sanne Thijssen, Gilles Thomas, Mike Kawai, Lily Attwood, Edouard Schmit.

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EVENT SPOTLIGHT

GC Prague Playoffs

The Super Bowl. Rugby World Cup Finals. New York Marathon. Wimbledon. The Ashes. NBA Finals. The Masters. Monaco Grand Prix. Names synonymous with the best in class, where the equivalent of the show jumping world is seen at the Global Champions Prague Playoffs.

Home to the GCL Super Cup and Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix, the GC Prague Playoffs plays host to top sport produced by the best horse and rider combinations in the world, coupled with thrilling entertainment schedules, all in one of the world’s most beautiful cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site and “the City of a hundred spires”.

The GC Prague Playoffs unfolds over four days at Prague’s impressive O2 arena with approximately 14,000 sporting super fans in attendance each day, and tens of thousands more tuned in from around the world via GCTV. As the culmination of the year’s sporting action taking place in the run up to Christmas, a unique festive atmosphere is felt in the Czech Republic capital, and visitors can enjoy all the fairy-tale city has to offer.

Hailed as ‘a milestone’ for the sport by Ludger Beerbaum - the electrifying GC Prague Playoffs is a sporting format coined by Global Champions in 2018, featuring powerful graphics, light and music shows and the goosebump raising ‘Walk of Champions’ all contributing to this event as the pinnacle of the sporting calendar.

2022 saw over €8 million to play for throughout this event where riders threw caution to the wind and left it all on the line,

resulting in a hair raising and thrilling weekend of show jumping and cutting edge atmosphere that has to be seen and felt to be believed.

The 2022 LGCT Super Grand Prix saw Daniel Deusser aboard Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z crowned winners of the coveted €1.25 million in front of a sell out crowd. The German champion declared the evening of top sport ‘unbelievable’ explaining: “I am speechless. What Jan Tops created here in the last couple of years is what I call an unique event and to jump here in an arena like that and a crowd like that is unreal.”

The 2022 GCL Super Cup was a battle right up to the last fence as Miami Celtics held under immense pressure to be crowned the 2022 GCL Super Cup Champions. Taking the lions share of the €4.5million prize purse after an evening full of thrilling drama.

In the high adrenaline Final, young talent Miami Celtics team of Bertram Allen, Michael G Duffy and U25 rider Edouard Schmitz beat Valkenswaard United’s years of experience from Marcus Ehning, John Whitaker and Andre Thieme by being the faster team on 12 faults overall.

Owners, riders, trainers, team managers and grooms all praised the GCL Super Cup throughout the week of unparalleled sporting action. Commenting on his team’s victory, Edouard Schmitz explained: “You wish for days like this... every rider dreams of this.”

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DANIEL DEUSSER & SCUDERIA 1918 TOBAGO Z 2022 LONGINES GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR SUPER GRAND PRIX WINNERS MIAMI CELTICS 2022 GCL SUPER CUP WINNING TEAM

Timetable

PROVISIONAL COMPETITION SCHEDULE*

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DAY 2 FRIDAY 3 rd MARCH 2023 DAY 3 SATURDAY 4TH MARCH 2023 DAY 1 THURSDAY 2TH MARCH 2023 Time Time Time 09:00 09:00 09:00 11:45 12:15 11:45 15:15 15:15 14:20 18:00 18:30 16:50 19:10 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Category Category Category Format Format Format 2 Phases special Against the clock NO Jump off Against the clock NO Jump off 2 Phases Against the clock NO Jump off GRAND PRIX - Against the clock with Jump off Table A - Not against the clock 1st GCL competition - Team 1st Round - Against the clock NO Jump off Against the clock NO Jump off 2 Phases Against the clock NO Jump off 2nd GCL competition-Team 2nd Round-GP Qualifier Against the clock NO Jump off LONGINES GCT GRAND PRIX - Against the clock with Jump off Height Height Height 1.35m 1.35m 1.45m 1.45m 0.80/0.90m 1.35m 1.55m 1.50m 1.45m 1.45m 1.45m 1.60m 1.60m NAT* CSI5* CSI5* CSI5* CSI5* LGCT Competition GCL Competition NATIONAL Competition * Schedule subject to change CSI3* CSI3* CSI3* CSI5* CSI3* CSI3* CSI3* CSI5* 14:30 | GCL TEAMS PARADE | -

Riders list

LGCT DOHA

Edwina Tops-Alexander AUS

Max Kühner AUT

Abdel Saïd BEL

Jérôme Guéry BEL

Niels Bruynseels BEL

Olivier Philippaerts BEL

Pieter Devos BEL

Francisco Musa BRA

Marlon Modolo Zanotelli BRA

Yuri Mansur BRA

Anna Kellnerová CZE

Alexa Ferrer FRA

Jeanne Sadran FRA

Kevin Staut FRA

Simon Delestre FRA

Jack Whitaker GBR

Jodie Hall McAteer GBR

John Whitaker GBR

GBR GER

Lily Attwood

Christian Ahlmann GER

Christian Kukuk

Gerrit Nieberg GER

Hans Dieter Dreher GER

Ludger Beerbaum GER

Marcus Ehning GER

Philipp Weishaupt GER

Ioli Mytilineou GRE

Denis Lynch IRL

Mark McAuley IRL

Michael Duffy IRL

Ramzy Al Duhami KSA

Harrie Smolders NED

Jur Vrieling NED

Kim Emmen NED

Maikel vd Vleuten NED

Suus Kuyten NED

Simon Yde NOR

Rodrigo Giesteira

Almeida POR

Bassem Mohammed QAT

Faleh Al Ajami

Hamad Al Qadi

Rashid Al Marri

IRL

Trevor Breen

Shane Breen IRL

Emanuele Gaudiano ITA

Mike Kawai JAP

Abdulrahman Alrajhi KSA

Khaled Almobty KSA

QAT QAT QAT QAT SUI

Saaed Al Qadi

Niklaus Schurtenberger

Henrik von Eckermann SWE

Malin Baryard-Johnsson SWE

Efe Siyahi TUR

Ömer Karaevli TUR

59 LGCT DOHA
* Riders list at time of print
60 LGCT DOHA
LGCT DOHA
Partners
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63 LGCT DOHA

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