The opening round promises thrilling action.
Doha, Qatar: Al Shaqab is set to kickstart the 2025 Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) and Global Champions League (GCL) season, with top riders and teams vying for early dominance on the prestigious circuit.
The opening event in Doha will feature over 270 riders from 35 countries, marking the start of the 16-stop Tour, which will culminate in the Playoffs in Prague from November 20-23.
Founded in 2006 by Olympic gold medalist Jan Tops, the LGCT brings together elite riders for the individual show jumping series, while the GCL sees teams of top-ranked and emerging U25 riders competing for the Championship title.
From left: French rider Julien Anquetin, LGCT Sports Director Marco Danese, LGCT President Jan Tops and Event Director Mohammed Jaber Al Khayarin pose for a photograph following a press conference in Doha yesterday.
At a press conference yesterday, Event Director Mohammed Jaber Al Khayarin expressed confidence in Al Shaqab’s readiness to host the event at its stunning Longines Indoor and Outdoor Arenas.
“Hosting the Longines Global Champions Tour at Al Shaqab offers a unique opportunity to enhance Qatar’s standing in the global equestrian scene,” said Al Khayarin.
“We are committed to providing the highest standards of organisation, ensuring an event that reflects Qatar’s equestrian prestige, blending modernity with tradition.”
Al Shaqab has consistently hosted world-class equestrian events in recent weeks including the Doha International Tour Rounds, H H the Amir Sword Festival and CHI Al Shaqab.
LGCT President Jan Tops called Doha the ideal venue to kick off the season.
“We’ve been returning to Al Shaqab since 2008, and both the country and the event have grown tremendously over the years. It’s the perfect start for the 2025 season, giving riders an opportunity to prepare for the year ahead. With stops in Vienna and New York this season, we’re excited for what’s to come,” he said.
LGCT Sports Director Marco Danese highlighted the new schedule’s emphasis on horse welfare, offering riders improved preparation and recovery time. With the GCL now on Day 1, the competition flow is more balanced, allowing for a more strategic approach between the GCL and the Grand Prix, he said.
Julien Anquetin, competing for the first time at Al Shaqab with the Doha Falcons team, was impressed by the world-class facilities.
“The venue is designed with top horses and sport in mind. I’m excited to compete here and aim for the podium in front of a home crowd,” said the French rider.
A stellar lineup for Doha includes eight of the top 10 riders from the 2024 LGCT Championship, including Christian Kukuk, Andreas Schou and Edwina Tops-Alexander.
This year’s GCL features 17 teams, with the Monaco Comets powered by Iron Dames joining as a new addition.
Deborah Mayer, owner of Monaco Comets powered by Iron Dames, and LGCT President Jan Tops pose with Monaco Comets riders Ines Joly Edwina Tops-Alexander, Ioli Mytilinou and Jeanne Sadra.
Team owner Deborah Mayer shared her excitement, saying, “It is an honour to have two teams competing in the 2025 GCL circuit, it is a real pleasure to welcome the talented and experienced riders on the new team and we are looking forward to this beautiful journey together. We are here to stay for the long time.”
Defending GCL champions and Doha 2024 winners, Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames, will fight to retain their title with a formidable trio of Sophie Hinners, Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann and Sanne Thijssen.
The four-day competition will culminate in the prestigious CSI5* 1.60m Grand Prix on Saturday.
DAY 1 – TODAY
MAIN ARENA
• 12:00 | CSI 3* | 2 Phases Special | 1.35m
• 15:20 | CSI 3* | Against the clock NO Jump off | 1.45m
• 18:10 | CSI J | 2 Phases Special | 1.20m
• 19:00 | CSI 5* | Warm up | 1.40m
INDOOR ARENA
• 13:00 | CSI 1* | Against the clock NO Jump off | 1.20m
• 15:45 | CSI 1* | 2 Phases Special | 1.10m
• 19:45 | CSN | Optimum Time | 0.60m
DAY 2 – Tomorrow, FEBRUARY 27, 2025
MAIN ARENA
• 09:00 | CSI 3* | Against the clock NO Jump off | 1.40m
• 10:00 | CSI 3* | Against the clock NO Jump off | 1.50m
• 12:10 | GCL TEAMS PARADE
• 15:00 | CSI 5* | Against the clock NO Jump off | 1.55m
• 17:40 | Lighting Show
• 18:45 | CSI 5* | Against the clock NO Jump off | 1.60m
INDOOR ARENA
• 13:00 | CSI 1* | Against the clock NO Jump off | 1.25m
• 15:50 | CSI 1* | Against the clock NO Jump off | 1.10m
• 19:45 | CSN | Optimum Time | 0.80m
DAY 3 – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2025
MAIN ARENA
• 09:00 | CSI 3* | Against the clock NO Jump off | 1.40m
• Break Time
• 13:00 | CSI 5* | 2 Phases Special | 1.45m
• 15:15 | CSI J | Against the clock WITH Jump off | 1.25m
• 16:45 | CSI 3* | Against the clock WITH Jump off | 1.50m
• 19:15 | Lighting Show
• 19:45 | CSI 5* | Against the clock WITH Jump off | 1.50m
INDOOR ARENA
• 09:30 | CSN | Optimum Time | 1.00m
• 13:00 | CSI 1* | Grand Prix (Against the clock WITH Jump off) | 1.30m
• 17:30 | CSI 1* | Against the clock WITH IMMEDIATE Jump off | 1.15m
DAY 4 – SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 2025
MAIN ARENA
• 15:30 | CSI 5* | Against the clock NO Jump off | 1.45m
• 20:00 | CSI 5* | Grand Prix (Against the clock WITH Jump off) | 1.60m
