Show jumping heavyweights head to Madrid
A tantalising lineup of show jumping superstars will continue their campaign in the world’s premier show jumping series from 21 – 23 May, heading to the beautiful destination of Club de Campo Villa de Madrid and raising the curtain on the European leg of the 2021 Championship.
The intense 2021 Longines Global Champions Tour ranking battle could be in for a major shakeup, as reigning LGCT titleholder Ben Maher (GBR) returns with Explosion W for what promises to be a thrilling LGCT Madrid.
Seven out of the top ten riders in the Longines World Rankings will take centre stage next weekend including Daniel Deusser (GER), Martin Fuchs (SWI), Peder Fredricson (SWE), Pieter Devos (BEL), Scott Brash (GBR) and Darragh Kenny (IRE) as well as Niels Bruynseels (BEL) who is currently leading the LGCT overall season championship.
Local fans will be out to support home hero Eduardo Alvarez Aznar (ESP), the Spanish star who finished a record joint second place in the LGCT Grand Prix of Madrid 2018 and will be one to watch on home turf along with Sergio Alvarez Moya (ESP).
Previous LGCT Grand Prix of Madrid winners Marcus Ehning (GER) and Maikel van der Vluten (NED) will be lining up in the starting box and flexing their muscles in preparation for a venue they know and love. It’s set to be a thriller of an event, with plenty of big names to throw into the mix, including the likes of Christian Ahlmann (GER), Cian O’Connor (IRE), Eric Lamaze (CAN), Evelina Tovek (SWE), Max Kühner (AUT), Harrie Smolders (NED), Marc Houtzager (NED) and Bertram Allen (IRE).
Madrid will also provide a platform for many of the world’s rising stars to shine. U25 riders Emily Moffitt (GBR), Max Wachman (IRE), Mike Kawai (JAP), Jeanne Sadran (FRA), Jodie Hall-McAteer (GBR), Spencer Smith (USA) and Teddy Vlock (ISR) will all be aiming for top spot in the huge grass arena.
Find out who will join Bruynseels and earn a golden ticket to the LGCT Super Grand Prix at the GC Prague Playoffs this November as the show promises to be a nail-biting affair.
Kicking off a flat out gallop across key European cities, Madrid is a globally significant capital that buzzes with sophistication and energy. With excellent equestrian facilities and two golf courses – including one designed by the late Seve Ballesteros – this unique venue brings together elite-level competition and the glamour of world-class show jumping in the historic Spanish capital.
All the action will be streamed on GCTV, featuring analysis, expert commentary and exclusive rider interviews and with world-class action promised once again, it’s set to be an exhilarating first European stop on the Tour.