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Views /Editorial

LGCT family thanks Qatar

Published: 08 Mar 2021 - 08:20 am | Last Updated: 26 May 2025 - 06:18 am

The opening round of the Longines Global Champions Tour concluded with fantastic Doha Grand Prix by Belgium’s Niels Bruynseels who guided Delux van T & L to a flawless routine under light at Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. Delux van T & L clocked a time of 39.93 seconds in the jump off as the Belgian celebrated his superb win in the 1.60m class. Bruynseels won €123,750. 

The equestrian fans in the country applauded Bruynseels’ magnificent win but the real applause was reserved for Qatar in putting together a truly magnificent two-week show jumping festival at the iconic Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. 

Jan Tops, President and Founder, LGCT and GCL, informed the international media watching the proceedings live: “It is important for us the organisers, the riders and the fans around the world that we are continuing world-class sports especially after missing out on so much last season. I think last year was unusual with the COVID-19 (situation). 

Hopefully it will be a little bit better now. It is a bit unusual times and hopefully we will return to the new normal. First of all it takes a lot of courage and skills to have an event like this and Al Shaqab deserves praise in hosting two big events. Like I always say that this place Al Shaqab, not only is it beautiful, but it’s a friendly place. Everything is well placed. The staff is great when you see how they operate. The horses travel so much and that too is taken care of here.”

Even a few of the top riders echoed the sentiments if Tops. Germany’s Christian Ahlmann said: “I am proud to be here. Al Shaqab made it happen in these difficult times. We feel very good and safe here in Qatar. 

Kevin Staut, who won one of the premier show jumping events of the CHI Al Shaqab that was held before the LGCT opening round, also praised Qatar’s initiative to bring back sports delight for fans. “I want to thank the organisers here because it’s so difficult (to host events) right now. To organise this event at the highest level it’s fantastic,” Staut said. 

Dozens of horses flown in for the two events is a massive under-taking and the Local Organizing Committee teams at Al Shaqab - headed by Omar Al Mannai, Event Director, and Commercial Manager, Al Shaqab - deleivered a show that was watched by millions of fans around the world. It was truly a magnificent two weeks of show jumping, dressage and para dressage events.