*L’élégance est une attitude
JANE RICHARD
LONGINES MINI DOLCEVITA
LONGINES GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR
23 - 25 AUGUST 2024
EDITORIAL
SEASON
LONGINES
TIMETABLE GRASS ARENA
TIMETABLE SAND ARENA GCL EXPLAINED
WELCOME TO
THE 2024 SEASON
Step into the thrilling world of the 2024 Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL Season, spanning three continents, 14 countries, and 16 dazzling destinations. With a staggering prize pool, this season promises unparalleled show jumping, hospitality, and entertainment. Kicking off in Doha, Qatar, the global tour makes waves at iconic locations such as Miami Beach, Mexico City, Paris, and Cannes.
From Shangahi to London, this season boasts an electrifying lineup of events, featuring renowned cities like Madrid, Monaco, and the grand finale in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Championship race accelerates at Stockholm, Valkenswaard, and Rome, showcasing precision, power, and elegance in a thrilling spectacle.
In its eighth year, the GCL team competition witnesses 14 top-tier teams competing with strategic precision, creating an intense atmosphere at every event. As the drama unfolds, GCTV provides live coverage, bringing fans closer to the action with expert commentary and exclusive backstage access. Get ready for a season of unparalleled sporting excitement in some of the most breathtaking across the globe.
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 Valkenswaard. 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 foremost riders vying for success in the 13th stage of the Longines Global Champions Tour and attending three days of enthralling competitions from 23rd to 25th August 2024 in Valkenswaard.
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 Valkenswaard.
MEET
JAN TOPS
FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT LONGINES GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR AND GCL
It is with great pride and pleasure that I welcome you all to the Longines Global Champions Tour of Valkenswaard to present the very best in show jumping and entertainment.
Since the birth of LGCT in 2006 our dedication to excellence has been unwavering and Longines Tops International Arena offers the highest quality facilities for riders, horses, guests, sponsors, media and our loyal fans.
This weekend we will see talented young stars and seasoned champions in the exciting LGCT and GCL. Fans watching here in Valkenswaard and on GCTV will always see the best in the world in action creating fantastic memories each year.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our Title Partner and Official Timekeeper Longines for their tremendous long-term support and commitment. I wish all our fans a very enjoyable weekend.
WELCOME TO THE ULTIMATE SHOW JUMPING EXPERIENCE
A dedication to excellence ensures top sport, world class facilities for horse and rider, entertainment for all the family and luxurious hospitality. All in one unique venue in the beautiful environment of Valkenswaard in The Netherlands.
Earlier in 2024 the Longines Tops International Arena hosted the much-loved Longines Global Future Champions, a unique platform for young talent - both horse and rider - with a range of competitions from CSI1* through to CSI5*.
The venue was also the stage this summer for the unmissable Summer Festival which gave riders of all levels, including classes dedicated to Young Riders and Young Horses, the opportunity to compete at this cutting edge equestrian facility in the heart of Europe.
The exceptional facilities at Longines Tops International Arena ensure a superb experience for spectators and guests in the elegant hospitality lounges. Discover the unforgettable, elegant haven of the VIP Hospitality Lounge. Beautiful bespoke interiors have been created to offer guests a superb luxury experience while enjoying the very best of show jumping from privileged seating.
The lively village buzzes with a great festival atmosphere and plenty of great shopping for visitors to enjoy.
Daniel Deusser & Bingo Ste Hermelle
4 FACTS: LONGINES TOPS INTERNATIONAL ARENA
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2x Competition Arenas, 3x Warm Up Arenas & 1x Lunging Pen: The Longines Tops International Arena boasts two top-notch competition arenas, one with sand footing and the other with lush grass. In addition, three warm up arenas and one lunging pen allow for the ultimate preparation time.
Sprawling Stables: With a whopping 512 stables, the Longines Tops International Arena ensures comfortable accommodation for numerous horses participating in the events.
World Renowned Grass Arena: LTIA’s world famous main arena takes centre stage measuring 125 metres by 85 metres.
Enticing Events Calendar: This year, the arena has lined up four exciting events for equestrian enthusiasts to enjoy at the home of show jumping.
INTRODUCING THE
LONGINES MINI DOLCEVITA
WITH DOUBLE TOUR STRAPS: THE OFFICIAL WATCH OF THE 2024 LONGINES GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR IN VALKENSWAARD
The 2024 Longines Global Champions Tour in Valkenswaard 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 model created in 1927 and, of course, the original DolceVita collection.
EXPLAINED LONGINES GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR
THE ULTIMATE INDIVIDUAL CHALLENGE
The 2024 Longines Global Champions Tour is in full swing and the ultimate individual championship race is heating up.
With 16 stops on the 2024 tour, horses and riders face challenges in technical courses, diverse arenas, and intense competition. Top talent compete across Asia, Europe, The Americas, Africa, and the Middle East, starting in Doha and travelling to prominent locations like Miami Beach, Mexico City, Monaco, Paris, Shanghai, and more. The tour culminates in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where points earned contribute to the grand finale at the GC Playoffs.
The coveted Longines Global Champions Tour Champion of Champions title, won by Harrie Smolders in 2023, is at stake. The LGCT Grand Prix, a highlight of each event, features jumps set at 1.60m. 40 horse-rider combinations qualify for each LGCT Grand Prix through a 5* qualification class. Points are awarded in the LGCT Grand Prix at each stage throughout the year, contributing to the overall championship ranking. Each riders best 8 scores throughout the season count to their points tally.
In a secondary race for glory, riders will be looking to secure a Golden Ticket to the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix at the GC Playoffs in November. Only 15 tickets are available, awarded to the winner of each LGCT Grand Prix. Each stage winner secures a Golden Ticket to the LGCT Super Grand Prix where they will go head to head with the other champions of the season.
With all eyes are firmly focused on the 16-leg tour this year, we eagerly await to see who will reach pole position on the leaderboard and earn the coveted title of Champion of Champions in 2024.
LONGINES GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR: QUICK FACTS
The height of LGCT Grand Prix jumps are set at 1.60m.
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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 Grand Prix day.
Throughout the year, points are allocated to 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.
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 Playoffs.
Sanne Thijssen & Con Quidam RB
GRASS ARENA
TIMETABLE
SAND ARENA
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EXPLAINED
SHOW JUMPING’S GREATEST TEAM CHALLENGE
This GCL season promises excitement with a roster of meticulously selected teams competing in a 16-event series. Launched in 2016, the GCL brings together riders from different countries, as well as mixing senior and U25 riders, to all compete together united on one team. Team Owners and Managers focus on strategy and team performance in the hopes of succeeding in a highly charged season.
An unique format, each GCL competition combines two rounds on the same day with no drop score. Combined scores from Round 1 carry into Round 2. Round 1 is a CSI 5* 1.55m class, and a short break allows strategic changes before the CSI 5* 1.60m Round 2.
Teams earn points at every stage throughout the year, leading to the Finals. The top four teams post-Final earn a fast track to the GC Playoffs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for the GCL Super Cup SemiFinals allowing them to skip the knockout QuarterFinals and keep their horsepower fresh.
QUICK FACTS:
Each team can have three riders per event, with two competing in each round.
• Teams carry penalties from Round 1 to determine Round 2 starting order.
The GCL stage winners are the team with the fewest combined penalties and quickest Round 2 time.
The GCL Championship Winner is team with the highest points following the end of the regular season, this year taking place in Rabat.
• GC Playoffs feature a Super Cup QuarterFinal, Semi-Final, and Final.
• At the Playoffs, the winning team after the 3 knockout rounds is crowned GCL Super Cup winner in the ultimate showdown.
NATALIE DEAN U25
KATRIN ECKERMANN
JANNE FRIEDERIKE MEYER-ZIMMERMANN
SOPHIE HINNERS KIM EMMEN SANNE THIJSSEN
BASSEM MOHAMMED
JÉRÔME GUÉRY
JULIEN ANQUETIN
ISTANBUL WARRIORS
MADRID IN MOTION
ABDEL SAÏD
SCHOU
STRAUMANN U25
MAIKEL VD VLEUTEN
WHITAKER U25 MARK MCAULEY
GIACOMO CASADEI U25
EDUARDO PEREIRA DE MENEZES
CELINE SCHOONBROODT DE AZEVEDO
LUIZ FELIPE DE AZEVEDO EDWARD LEVY
PRAGUE LIONS
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VALKENSWAARD 2023 IN PICTURES
LONGINES GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR
Longines Tops International Arena, the spectacular destination at the heart of Europe’s booming equestrian industry, played host to the electrifying 13th stage of the championships.
The venue’s visionary design, combining world class equestrian facilities with luxurious hospitality, offers the very best for horses, riders and grooms, owners, sponsors and fans. From the fun Kid’s Village, entertainment and illuminations in the evening and top sport by day.
Both the LGCT and GCL were at critical points in the season. St Tropez Pirates’ battled hard to secure victory ahead of Scandinavian Vikings with Paris Panthers in third and creeping closer to the top of the leaderboard.
It was a magical LGCT Grand Prix win for young Dutch star Sanne Thijssen and her “unbelievable” stallion Con Quidam RB. To ecstatic applause from the home crowd, her skill and speed triumphed pushing Max Kühner and Up Too Jacco Blue into second and Ben Maher and Dallas Vegas Batilly in third.
Marcus Ehning & DPS Revere
Willy van de Kerkhof
Ben Maher & Dallas Vegas Batilly
Jan & Chloe Tops
Sanne Thijssen & Con Quidam RB
Sanne Thijssen, Max Kühner, Ben Maher
Michael Pender & HHS Catwalk, Simon Delestre & I Amelusina R 51
Harrie Smolders & Monaco N.O.P.
VALKENSWAARD UNITED!
AIM FOR HOME GLORY
Valkenswaard United will be cheered to the rafters as they set their sights on a precious victory on home turf this weekend. The formidable squad have triumphed in previous seasons, winning both the overall GCL Championship and GCL Super Cup. Now the powerhouse team will be lifted by the passionate support of home fans as they aim for victory in Valkenswaard and in the race to the season climax.
EDWINA TOPS-ALEXANDER
Edwina Tops-Alexander has an illustrious history in the GCL team competition, particularly since joining Valkenswaard United in 2021. Having competed with the Shanghai Swans in 2016, followed by a season with the Moscow Bears and two seasons with the St Tropez Pirates, Edwina’s 2019 season was marked with two-second place finishes in Paris and Valkenswaard, and in 2021, Valkenswaard United were crowned overall Season Champions.
Edwina rides for Valkenswaard United once more in 2024, alongside some top names including Marcus Ehning and John Whitaker, and the team will be bidding to bring back their championship crown!
OLIVER LAZARUS
Oliver Lazarus joins Valkenswaard United for a second year. After a suite of impressive performances in the 2023 season aboard his mare Butterfly Ennemel, Oliver looks to again be a valuable contributor to the team’s success riding alongside his fellow athletes and heroes of the sport.
Edwina Tops Alexander, Marcus Ehning
Edwina Tops-Alexander & Corelli de Mies
Oliver Lazarus & Butterfly Ennemmel
JOHN WHITAKER
Legend of show jumping John Whitaker and cornerstone of Valkenswaard United, John Whitaker, returns to the team in 2024 ready to ride his magic and impart his wisdom on fellow team members. Alongside fellow crowd favourite and long-time friend, Marcus Ehning, the duo aren’t often seen without each other when competing at the same event.
Will 2024 see John stand on top of the podium again alongside his fellow team members?
GILLES THOMAS
With a debut on the GCL team series in 2020, Gilles made a very promising start with a double clear in his first appearance for Miami Celtics in Doha. This year he re-joins the mighty Valkenswaard United team for a fourth season and will be one to watch alongside an impressive list of experienced names for the team.
Gilles Thomas & Luna van het Dennehof
John Whitaker & Equine America Unick du Francport
John Whitaker
Gilles Thomas
MARCUS EHNING
Marcus is entering his 7th consecutive year riding for Valkenswaard United. As a pillar of the team, Marcus brings his experience of years competing at the top level of the sport, having been part of many of Valkenswaard United’s successes throughout the seasons. He joins a lineup of icons of show jumping on the team for 2024, including Edwina Tops-Alexander and John Whitaker.
Valkenswaard United were crowned season champions in 2021 - will they be able to do the same for 2024?
LEONIE BÖCKMANN U25
Leonie Böckmann jumps into action in the second half of the 2024 season, making her debut on the GCL team series as the U25 rider for Valkenswaard United. Joining icons of the sport, Leonie will be looking to make her mark with with the team.
Marcus Ehning & Priam du Roset
Leonie Böckmann & California
Marcus Ehning
A SEASON OF MAGICAL ENTERTAINMENT
WHERE EVERY MOMENT SHINES
The entertainment schedule at Longines Tops International Arena is set to leave you spellbound. Prepare to be immersed in the world of show jumping coupled with the captivating blend of circus charm, where entertainment, a variety of food and drink experiences, and thrilling sporting spectacles converge to create an unforgettable family-friendly affair.
From live music, indulgent retail, family-friendly entertainment such as face-painting and a round in the Longines carousel, to a delicious delight of food and beverage options, the Place du Concours is the heartbeat of Longines Tops International Arena this Summer Festival.
Create magic memories - Longines Tops International Arena, where the magic lives on!
AN ECLECTIC BOUTIQUE VILLAGE
Come to visit our Shopping Village in Place de Concours! A vibrant range of shops, goods, equestrian brands and sponsor displays are waiting for you:
SHOP
ROELOFSEN HORSE TRUCKS
KENTUCKY HORSEWEAR
TUCCI
RUYTERS VOOR RUYTERS
HOUSE OF HORSES
LIM GROUP SPORT SADDLES
TEUN VAN RIEL
LAMICELL
GC OFFICIAL MERCHANDISE SHOP
BABA ART, ART EXHIBITOR
MOEVS.COM
.FOCUS
STAL TOPS AUCTION
TOTI EQUESTRIAN
EQUITRON
EAT
WATERVALLEI
TUMI GRILL & COCKTAILS
MAMMA MIA
WAFFELMANNEKE
Emma Kok
POWERED
THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION
AT TOPS INTERNATIONAL AUCTION 28th
SEPTEMBER
2024
Tops International Auction is proud to present an exclusive collection of sport horses of the highest quality on Saturday 28th September during a stunning evening of entertainment and hospitality.
An international clientele will have access to a truly unmissable collection of horses and foals recognising the ultimate in breeding pedigree and performance. The collection is carefully selected by Stal Tops based on decades of experience, dedication to uncompromising quality and success at the highest level of show jumping.
This spectacular evening at Stal Tops, Valkenswaard, will include live entertainment and superb hospitality followed by the opportunity to bid at the prestigious auction and celebrate at the after party.
Book your dedicated VIP table for the prestigious Tops International Auction 2024 and enjoy this unique celebration of exceptional quality horses.
Stal Tops Maastrichterweg 249 5556 VB Valkenswaard Info and reservation
LONGINES GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR OF VALKENSWAARD
PARTNERS
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LONGINES MINI DOLCEVITA