Riyadh 2024 by Explose

*L’élégance est une attitude

JANE RICHARD

LONGINES MINI DOLCEVITA

RIYADH GLOBAL CHAMPIONS PLAYOFFS

20 - 23 NOVEMBER 2024

EDITORIAL COORDINATION

OFFICIAL

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

DESIGN

WELCOME TO THE 2024 SEASON / 2024

MEET MATTHIAS BRESCHAN /

MEET JAN

MEET HH PRINCE ABDULLAH BIN FAHAD BIN ABDULLAH AL SAUD

LONGINES COLLECTION

INTRODUCTION

LGCT

LGCT SUPER GRAND PRIX RIDERS /

THE 2024 SEASON WELCOME TO

The 2024 Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL Seasons have proved a thrilling fight to the finish, spanning 4 continents, 14 countries, and 16 dazzling destinations. With a staggering prize pool, this season showcased unparalleled show jumping, hospitality, and entertainment. Following an epic kick off in Doha, Qatar, the global tour made waves at iconic locations such as Miami Beach, Mexico City, Paris, and Cannes.

From Shanghai to London, this season boasted an electrifying lineup of events, featuring renowned cities like Madrid, Monaco, and the GC Playoffs here in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In its eighth year, the GCL team competition witnessed 14 top-tier teams competing with strategic precision, fighting for maximum points at every event. As the drama at the Finals unfolds, GCTV provides live coverage, bringing fans closer to the action with expert commentary and exclusive backstage access. Get ready for an incredible weekend of show jumping as we witness history in the making at the LGCT and GCL Finals in Rabat.

MEET

MATTHIAS BRESCHAN

LONGINES CEO

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Equestrian Sports Enthusiasts,

On behalf of Longines, I would like to extend to you all a very warm welcome to the 2024 Longines Global Champions Tour in Riyadh. 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 equestrian sports. This year again, we look forward to supporting the finest equestrian talents and attending three days of enthralling competitions from 22nd to 24th November 2024 in Riyadh.

On this very special occasion, we are proud to highlight the Official Watch of the event – a new Mini DolceVita model with exclusive double tour straps. With its discreet profile, classic styling, and aesthetic variations that are at once timely and timeless, this masterpiece exquisitely expresses, in equal parts, Longines’ quiet luxury and elegance.

We wish you a weekend full of wonderful sports moments and emotions at the 2024 Longines Global Champions Tour in Riyadh.

MEET

JAN TOPS

FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT LONGINES

GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR

AND GCL

I am delighted to welcome everyone to the 2024 GC Playoffs being held for the first time in Riyadh.

As we anticipate this spectacular climax to the season, it is a great pleasure to be staging the incredible Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix and the GCL Super Cup here in the capital of Saudi Arabia.

The GC Playoffs are the ultimate in show jumping and in Riyadh we will witness some of the most phenomenal performances of the season from both GCL teams and individual riders. This beautiful stage, where all facilities are of excellent quality, is a fitting platform to celebrate the best in our sport.

I would like thank our long-time Title Partner and Official Timekeeper Longines for their tremendous commitment to our partnership and I wish all our fans a thrilling weekend whether you are watching here in Riyadh or around the world on GCTV.

Longines

MEET

HH PRINCE ABDULLAH BIN FAHAD

BIN ABDULLAH AL SAUD

CHAIRMAN OF SAUDI ARABIAN EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION CHAIRMAN OF SAUDI EQUESTRIAN EVENTS COMPANY

Riyadh to host the Global Champions Playoffs: An ambitious vision for equestrianism in the heart of the Kingdom.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is pleased to host the final stage of the Longines Global Champions Tour & GCL in its capital Riyadh. Riyadh has become a prominent global destination for various sports, especially equestrianism, representing part of our rich national heritage.

Hosting this event continues the Kingdom’s impressive track record in international sports hosting, including the GC Playoffs and the World Cup for Show Jumping and Dressage 2024.

It reinforces the Kingdom’s status as a leading sports destination, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enhance and support the sports sector. It also reflects the wise leadership’s commitment to developing and promoting equestrianism internationally.

This event offers a remarkable stage, bringing together elite riders worldwide to compete in an atmosphere filled with tradition and distinction over four days. We will witness intense competition in the final rounds, leading up to the qualified riders who will participate in the in the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix and GCL Super Cup.

Finally, we look forward to providing a unique experience that exceeds expectations and confirms that Riyadh is not only a city of sports but also a space where civilizations meet and ancient sports are brought to life with a modern vision.

INTRODUCING THE

MINI DOLCEVITA

WITH EXCLUSIVE DOUBLE TOUR STRAPS: THE OFFICIAL WATCH OF THE 2024 LONGINES GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR SUPER GRAND PRIX IN RIYADH

The 2024 Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix in Riyadh is the perfect setting to showcase the new Mini DolceVita models with exclusive double tour straps. With its discreet profile, classic styling, and aesthetic variations that are at once timely and timeless, this collection exquisitely expresses, in equal parts, Longines’ quiet luxury and elegance.

Available in various sizes and colours, these models are equipped with straps that are designed exclusively by Longines and encircle the wrist in comfort and softness. A subtle reference to the equestrian world so dear to the Swiss watch brand, the holes in the straps are numbered in hot-press printing from 1 to 6, just like the stirrup leathers that, as the name suggests, connect the saddle to the horse’s stirrups.

Presented in a stainless-steel rectangular case measuring 21.50 mm x 29.00 mm and equipped with a high-precision L178 quartz movement, the new Mini DolceVita models are available in six variants as elegant as they are unique. Three versions sport a silvered rectangular Roman dial distinguished by its flinqué decoration. These models are distinguished by a double tour strap in Nappa leather in a choice of colours: black, beige gold with ivory topstitching, or pink. The two latter models are adorned with 38 Top Wesselton diamonds. A further three variants are available with a circular silvered sunblasted Cosmo dial. In an expression of the collection’s contemporary elegance, these models sport Nappa leather straps in a choice of colours: red, orange or green.

This contemporary jewel watch collection has an impressive lineage: it was inspired by a Longines legend created in 1927 and, of course, the original DolceVita collection.

MINI DOLCEVITA

WORLD’S MOST DYNAMIC EQUESTRIAN SPORT SERIES

IN UNIQUE DESTINATIONS

HILTON SPECIAL AWARD

A JOURNEY OF LUXURY FOR GCL SUPER CUP CHAMPIONS

Global Champions teams up with Hilton to unveil the Hilton Special Award, a prestigious prize for the team that wins the 2024 GCL Super Cup at the GC Playoffs in Riyadh. This award grants the six team members an exclusive stay at the Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay, offering an escape to sophistication and serenity in the heart of Qatar’s Diplomatic Area.

The Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay welcomes guests with a touch of timeless elegance, inspired by the iconic Waldorf in New York. Riders will indulge in Art Deco-inspired rooms, Michelin-star dining led by chef Mauro Colagreco, and luxurious spaces to unwind, including a shisha terrace and panoramic spa. The WA Fitness center provides ample facilities for those looking to maintain peak performance, making this the perfect retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation.

This luxurious prize follows the GCL Grand Prize presented by Hilton Luxury Brands, awarded to the Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames for winning the 2024 Championship. Set to enjoy their own lavish trip to the Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island, the team eagerly anticipates their upcoming escape. As Natalie Dean shared, “ It is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and I cannot wait to go back.”

For the 2024 GCL Super Cup champions, the Hilton Special Award offers not only a symbol of their achievement but a journey into pure luxury at the Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay.

RIYADH DISCOVER

The dazzling capital of Saudi Arabia is host for the first time to the sensational GC Playoffs, the ultimate showdown in show jumping. Riyadh has undergone an incredible transformation from desert village to a towering contemporary metropolis, serving as the country’s financial and administrative powerhouse. While there are numerous modern neighbourhoods, including the buzzing Riyadh Boulevard City, the city’s heritage and culture also remain at the heart of the Kingdom. Visitors can take in the National Museum, Al Masmak Fortress and the palaces in the historic Al At-Turaif District. Riyadh and its surroundings are also graced with stunning gardens and parks, while visitors can also explore the desert on safari tours. Saudi Arabia is rich in experiences offering culture, culinary variety, entertainment all in a blend of history and modernity.

INTRODUCTION TO THE

GC PLAYOFFS

Throughout the 2024 season, the world has witnessed the best athletes, equine stars, team managers and owners vying for their golden ticket to this extraordinary four-day extravaganza. What makes this event even more remarkable is the multi-million-euro prize money up for grabs.

In 2023, Julien Epaillard expertly piloted Dubai du Cedre, narrowly beating out Henrik von Eckermann with King Edward and Max Kühner aboard Eic Up Too Jacco Blue, to claim victory in the exclusive Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix. Epaillard was on cloud nine following his win, saying, “it was amazing tonight, it’s a special atmosphere,it’saspecialvictoryformetoday.”

Powerhouse team Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland Equestrian emerged as the champions in the GCL Super Cup and are back to defend their title in 2024. Following last year’s victory, Riesenbeck International rider Christian Kukuk exclaimed, “wehavemadehistory.Thesport todaywasincredible.Thisissuchaspecialevent.Ihaveno words.”

Now, as we enter 2024, the GC Playoffs are thriving in their sixth year, thanks to Title Partner and Official Timekeeper, Longines. The Longines Global Champions Tour has continued to expand and innovate over its 18-year history, consistently delivering world-class show jumping in breathtaking locations around the globe.

The introduction of GCL team-based competition in 2016 brought a thrilling new dimension to the sport, with top riders from different countries coming together on one team for top level competitions, and U25 riders gaining the opportunity to kick start their careers on the international stage.

On Friday 22 November, the world’s top 15 riders will battle for victory in the ultimate show jumping showdown in the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix, offering an impressive €1.25 million in prize money. This line up of challengers is nothing short of formidable, but only one can emerge victorious on that Friday night as they vie for top honours in this fiercely contested competition.

The GC Playoffs promises a rollercoaster of emotions, upsets, and glory as teams navigate through the Quarter Final, Semi Final, and Final stages of the staggering €10 million GCL Super Cup. Fourteen teams will take center stage with the top four teams of the season, receiving automatic fast-tracks to the Semi Final. This sets the stage for an electrifying finale on Saturday 23 November.

Riyadh, hosting the GC Playoffs for the first time, provides a breathtaking backdrop to this epic competition. The capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is a vibrant city known for its modern skyline, historical landmarks, and economic significance. With it’s striking skyline setting the stage, Riyadh will see show jumping history in the making as we witness the thrilling finale to the 2024 season.

NOURISH / SUPPORT / CARE

Edwina Tops Alexander’s

SCAN FOR MORE

HORSE CARE ULTRA CUBES

SCAN FOR MORE

SUPER GRAND PRIX LONGINES GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR

EXPLAINED

This week, 15 of the world’s best riders will team up with some of the most talented horses in the world to go head-to-head in the ultimate highstakes showdown in the vibrant city of Riyadh for the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix, one of the most exclusive and prestigious competitions in history.

With the Playoff’s heading to Riyadh for the first time ever in 2024, the stage is set for the ultimate showdown of the individual riders. The €1.25 million Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix will also provide a thrilling finale to the final weekend of the season, ensuring nail-biting curtain closer to this year’s circuit.

The LGCT Super Grand Prix has proved to be one of the sport’s most prestigious Grand Prix competitions. The revolutionary format sees the winners of each LGCT Grand Prix event of the season invited to compete in the Longines Global Champions Super Grand Prix on Friday 22 November, which serves as the ultimate decider as to who will emerge victorious among the world’s best riders.

With the 2024 tour stopping off at iconic destinations such as Miami Beach, Madrid, Monaco, London, and Rome, this final battle will be a truly global test of skill, with the best of the best going head-to-head in Riyadh.

15 riders are set to face two formidable 1.65m tracks, designed to test the skill, focus, and sportsmanship of those who have produced exceptional results this year.

Last year’s GC Prague Playoffs saw an incredible performance with French star Julien Epaillard and Dubai du Cedre racing to victory to claim the win in the 2023 LGCT Super Grand Prix. With an elite roster of riders heading to Riyadh, anticipation is high as we wait to see who will emerge victorious.

Julien Epaillard, Matthias Breschan

LONGINES GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR

SUPER GRAND PRIX RIDERS 2024

ABDEL SAÏD

DOHA

NICOLA PHILIPPAERTS

GILLES THOMAS

MICHAEL DUFFY

MEXICO CITY SHANGHAI

MIAMI BEACH

photo: Lukasz Kowalski

CHRISTIAN KUKUK

JANNE FRIEDERIKE MEYER-ZIMMERMANN

MADRID

CANNES

MAX KÜHNER

JOHAN-SEBASTIAN GULLIKSEN

OLIVIER PHILIPPAERTS

RAMATUELLE, ST. TROPEZ

PARIS

STOCKHOLM

THIBEAU SPITS

PIETER DEVOS

RIESENBECK

LONDON

LORENZO DE LUCA

VALKENSWAARD

EDUARDO ALVAREZ AZNAR

RABAT

VICTOR BETTENDORF

ROME

INES JOLY MONACO

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TIMETABLE

SUPER CUP

EXPLAINED

With a dramatic and emotional 2024 season in the GCL Team Championship, the rivalry between teams has reached its peak as the GC Riyadh Playoffs are set to witness the ultimate battle of the best as teams fight for the top spot in the coveted GCL Super Cup.

Throughout the 2024 season, 14 teams have been fighting for valuable ranking points over 15 thrilling stages. The GCL overall standings are based on each team’s points earned at every GCL stage throughout the year, which ultimately pave the way for how the GCL Super Cup Quarter Final and Semi Finals will unfold.

This GCL Super Cup will consist of a team Quarter Final, a Semi Final, and a Final. The Quarter Final, held over one 1.55m round, is open to 10 teams with three riders per team, those placed 5th to 14th on the GCL overall team standings prior to the GC Riyadh Playoffs.

The best eight placed teams according to the aggregate time and faults for each of the three riders then qualify for the Semi Final the following day where they will be joined by the top four teams on the GCL overall team rankings.

The best six teams of the Semi Final then go into the final battle in the Finals on Sunday held over two different 1.60m against the clock rounds. 2023 saw Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland Equestrian hoist the trophy as the powerhouse team emerged victorious.

The top four spots have been in the minds of the team managers all season as they have selected from their roster of six riders at every stage, making strategic choices throughout the course of the varied events this season. From the expansive grass arenas of Madrid and Valkenswaard to the small sand arenas in St. Tropez and Monaco, knowing their riders and their horses has been crucial to a successful season.

With a jaw dropping €10 million on offer alone for the GCL Super Cup, the battle for victory is on

INTRODUCING KAFD: WHERE THE WORLDS OF BUSINESS AND LIFESTYLE MEET

At the heart of Riyadh, King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) is an iconic destination, merging business and lifestyle and transforming the way contemporary communities live, work and play, with its buildings designed by some of the most renowned architectural ﬁrms worldwide.

As a cornerstone initiative and key enabler of Vision 2030, KAFD has become a ﬁnancial powerhouse and is home to more than 70 prestigious global and regional corporations, as well as local government agencies and private businesses in various sectors. KAFD also thrives as a holistic lifestyle destination, with a dynamic community spirit, and features retail, education, entertainment and more, all within a 10-minute walking distance.

KAFD OFFERINGS