Foto: Emanuele Gaudiano auf Admara 2 - Fotograf: Stefano Grasso/Longines GCT
In this afternoon’s glorious Doha sunshine, Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano and his mount Admara 2 won the CSI5* 1.50m speed class by just 0.3s from Ireland’s Denis Lynch and All Inclusive NRW in second, and Portugal’s Luciana Diniz and Fit for Fun in third.
The class was fast and furious, with everyone out to score a win ahead of the Longines Global Champions Tour Final Grand Prix this evening. Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer set an early pace with Clever Lady, but the lower half of the draw was full of fleet-footed combinations. Gaudiano swept in with five left to go but none that followed were able to catch him.
Looking ahead to the highlight of the Longines Global Champions Tour calendar, the Grand Prix Championship Final, taking place this evening in beautiful Doha. All eyes are on the Tour’s top-ranked riders who have saved their very best horses for one of show jumping's biggest events. With a combined prize value of nearly €1.5m on offer, the anticipation is huge.
Tour leader USA’s Laura Kraut is currently in number one spot by just two points from Germany’s Christian Ahlmann. The rest of the Top Five - Edwina Tops Alexander, Luciana Diniz and Rolf-Goran Bengtsson - are separated by just 12 points, with Scott Brash, Doda de Miranda and Harrie Smolders also in contention, so tonight’s results will determine who wins the overall season Championship title and the biggest chunk of the €1million bonus.
The Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Doha, hosted by the incredible AL SHAQAB stadium, will be streamed LIVE on our website from 5.15pm (Local Time). Tune in to find out who will take prestigious title of Longines Global Champion 2013.
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