Foto: Siegerehrung der Global Champions Tour 2013 - Fotograf: Stefano Grasso/Longines GCT
Britain’s Scott Brash was tonight declared Champion of the Longines Global Champions Tour 2013 after winning the Grand Prix of Doha on his stunning Olympic and European champion horse Hello Sanctos.
Ice cool Brash and his world beating bay gelding delivered a triple clear under intense pressure and after a celebratory lap of honour the young rider admitted it was the “one of the best days of my life”.
Brash’s dramatic series victory and Grand Prix win in the same night netted him a massive €443,000 in prize money - and all on this 28th birthday with his delighted owners in Qatar for the extraordinary night. Scott made history as the youngest ever rider to win the prestigious championship.
The final leg of the championship series was a true cliff-hanger with Germany’s Christian Ahlmann - who was without his stallion Taloubet Z - missing out on the championship victory due to a time penalty pushing him into second place overall. US rider Laura Kraut, who led the ranking for much of the season, finished third in the championship after an unlucky four faults (www.globalchampionstour.com/ranking/2013)
Brash had already been announced as overall champion even before the Grand Prix was over. But he had to put celebrations on hold and keep his nerve to perform in a nailbiting jump off against the hugely experienced Ludger Beerbaum and Marcus Ehning of Germany. Beerbaum, riding the grey mare Chiara, piled on the pressure delivering his third clear of the evening in 43.83. Ehning finished with 4 faults in the jump off. Under enormous pressure Brash polished off a superb clear in 43.17.
The thrilling show jumping action took place on one of the world’s most magnificent equestrian stages at Al Shaqab, part of the Qatar Foundation. Qatar was the focus of the equestrian world for three days and in the Grand Prix Sheikh Ali Bin Khalid Al Thani delighted home spectators by winning through to the second round. Members of the Royal Family of Qatar, international diplomats and visitors from across the world joined spectators at the vast state-of-the art venue dedicated to horses.
With 12 spectacular events around the world this year, the series final delivered another night of fantastic high calibre sport. The best riders in the world were put to the test and there were plenty of surprises in the first round with championship hopefuls Luciana Diniz and Edwina Tops-Alexander falling out of contention.
After an electrifiying season - where different riders won each Grand Prix - the standard of the sport reached new heights. With Olympic, World and European champions locked in battle at each event the stakes were higher than ever to win the championship.
The First Round
All the intensity and anticipation from the days leading up to the Grand Prix of Doha seemed to come to a climax today as the riders completed the course walk for the first round. It was clearly the day of all days. The day in which every Championship contender has been looking forward to and dreading all at the same time. Today was the day that the 2013 Longines Global Champions Tour season title winner would be crowned.
Italy's Uliano Vezzani set a big, heavy first round course, with a decent time allowed but some very challenging aspects. Riders would need to make hard decisions throughout to ensure a clear first round score. The course was almost set to maximum height with a very impressive Longines triple combination half way through the course.
Ireland's Mark McAuley was the first rider to complete the course and he did so on 4 faults. It was Brazil's Marlon Modolo Zanotelli who, as second rider in, earned the first clear round of the evening aboard a very scopey 10 year old gelding, partly owned by fellow Brazilian team mate Doda Miranda.
A total of ten riders would follow Marlon, including Denis Lynch and All Star 5, Jane Richard Philips and Pablo de Virton, Gerco Schroder and London, Ludger Beerbaum and Chiara as well as Christian Ahlmann aboard Aragon Z. Some surprising results in the first round included a four fault score for Laura Kraut, who led through much of the series, riding her Olympic mount Cedric. So much was riding on a clear round from Laura in the first round and an unlucky rail at the end of the course meant that the leading lady would be unable to qualify through to the second round.
Luciana Diniz and Lennox as well as Edwina Tops-Alexander and Ego van Orti earned a shock 16 faults each. Two-time champion Edwina Tops-Alexander, was clearly aiming high but was clearly disappointed with her first round score.
The Second Round
The second round was set equally difficult but slightly more tight for time. Riders had longer distances between the fences and it required an increased pace, but an equal level of scope. This would prove challenging to certain combinations such as Gerco Schroder and London, Jane Richard Philips and Pablo de Virton and Maikel van der Vleuten and VDL Groep Verdi. These combinations all saw a single fence fall while Christian Ahlmann - in contention for the championship - would be considerably frustrated with a single time fault. Jumping an incredible second round with Aragon Z, loaned to him for the Grand Prix by his girlfriend Judy Ann Melchior, a single time penalty was all that kept Christian from the jump off. Christian's leading horses, Codex One and Taloubet Z, were both unable to compete in Doha.
After eighteen combinations, only three riders made it through to the jump off. Marcus Ehning, Ludger Beerbaum and Scott Brash. But before the jump off could begin, it was announced that Brash had won the 2013 Longines Global Champions Tour season title. He had managed to not only win the title after standing in eighth place on the season rankings, but he had done so on his 28th birthday. He had also made Global Tour history as the youngest rider to ever win the series title as well. Scott was clearly overjoyed as fellow riders congratulated him and cheered with genuine happiness as the young Peebles-native slowly came to the realization of what he had achieved. However, it was clear Scott had every intention of competing in the Grand Prix jump off and not allowing himself to lose his focus. Scott was determined to finish the job at hand, regardless of what he had already accomplished.
The Jump off
Maintaining his composure, Scott had to wait for Ludger Beerbaum and Marcus Ehning's attempts at the jump off. Ludger Beerbaum and Chiara completed a very solid and rather fast jump off round, finishing in a time of 43.83 seconds. Ludger looked up suspciously at the jumbo screen in the arenea clearly asking himself, would that be fast enough?
Marcus Ehning was the second rider in the ring but a rail at the first fence dashed his hopes of Grand Prix victory. British chef d’equipe Rob Hoekstra said that if 2012 Olympic gold medallist Scott was left until the end, with the maximum amount of pressure on his shoulders, he would win the Grand Prix of Doha. Sure enough, from the second Scott and Hello Sanctos picked up their canter, it was clear that this combination could do no wrong despite the pressure cooker situation. It is as if these two amazing athletes perform the best when everything is on the line.
Galloping to the last fence, Scott and Hello Sanctos cleared the final obstacle and as everyone craned their necks to look at his time, it was clear that Scott had done the impossible. He had won both the Series Championship and Grand Prix of Doha. Removing his helmet, Scott waved to the cheering crowds, with the widest and happiest grin one could imagine. All the composure and focus slowly melted away as Hello Sanctos cantered towards the in-gate. It was all over. Scott proved to be the best of them all, beating out two of his “biggest idols” in one of the most incredible jump offs in Global Champions Tour history.
PRESS CONFERENCE
LONGINES GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR GRAND PRIX OF DOHA AND 2013 LONGINES GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR OVERALL CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
Present:
Scott Brash - Grand Prix winner and 2013 Champion
Christian Ahlmann - 2013 Championship runner-up
Laura Kraut - 3rd 2013 Championship
Fahad Saad Al Qahtani - Director of AL SHAQAB
Jan Tops - Founder of Longines Global Champions Tour
Walter von Kanel - President of Longines
Interviewer: Scott Brash, after winning a bronze and silver Longines Global Champions Tour medal before today, now you finally have a gold medal and the title. When you opened your eyes this morning, did you think that this was possible?
Scott Brash: “I was told it was possible, but I didn't think for one minute I would be sat here. It couldn't be a better day for me.”
Interviewer: You and the man sitting next to you, Christian Ahlmann, are the only riders to have won a bronze, silver and now gold Longines Global Champions Tour medal. This makes your horse the best performing horse in the entire series. Tell us about the partnership.
Scott Brash: “The horse (Hello Sanctos) is a horse of a lifetime. I won’t ever sit on one again that will give me as much success. There are too many people to thank. There are so many that make it all possible for me and the horse to compete and do what we have done today.”
Interviewer: Christian Ahlmann, I hope you don’t mind me pointing out but you have finished second in a Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix because of one time fault before, this time it lost you the Championship and a Grand Prix because of one time fault.
Christian Ahlmann: “Now I know a time fault is bad.” (Laughs)
Interviewer: In the end, you came second. What are you feeling about the Grand Prix?
Christian Ahlmann: “After the second round, I was a little disappointed. I realised I no longer had a chance to win (the Championship). When I opened my eyes this morning, I thought, ‘I can do it’. But in the end, my horse jumped very good. I want to thank my girlfriend for letting me borrow her horse as my two stallions were not able to come here. She gave me Aragon to try for two weeks and we had some good results, so I thought it was worth a try. He did a very good job and I took too much time. In the end, I am very happy with the whole season as I had really good results and second in the end is not so bad.”
Interviewer: Laura Kraut, this afternoon must have been a roller coaster of emotions for you.
Laura Kraut: “Of course I was nervous. It was a sickening feeling. I was very disappointed. My horse jumped great and I just had a unlucky fence down right at the end. I though I had it made, that I was home free and he just hit it behind. That’s show jumping. I was disappointed as I too woke up this morning and thought that I could keep hold of this. Anyway, after my horse’s disaster in Lausanne, this was his first appearance at this level, so I am very pleased that he jumped well and was confident. Third isn’t so bad either.”
Interviewer: It must have been tough to sit up there and wait for others to decide your fate when you didn’t make the second round?
Laura Kraut: “We were all trying to work out the points. Scott’s owners (Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham) had it worked out and I think for me that it was cut and dry when I didn’t make the second round that Scott and Christian had beaten me. I just wasn’t sure who else had. I tried to not to think about the Championship before coming here, as I didn’t think it would change my effort. I would come here to win the class either way and when you start thinking about what others are doing, it just messes you up, so I just focused on myself. Unfortunately I didn't perform as well as I would have hoped, but I am thrilled for Scott and Christian. My mother knew how much money I got before I did, she texted me right away. So I’m happy.”
Interviewer: The Qatar Foundation has a big plan, how does the LGCT fit in to the plan for the future?
Fahad Saad Al Qahtani: “The focus here for us on on our community. The sport aspect of it is really important for us to deliver our key messages. The Longines Global Champions Tour fits perfectly with our set-up and after discussing with them, we found that we share the same obligations to our community. We are connected to our heritage - horses mean a lot to us. Anyone who can support the wellbeing, welfare and attributes of the horse, we go for it. Our relationship is a strategic relationship, which we have started developing and I believe the next version will be an upgraded version of this show.
Interviewer: Mr von Kanel, we know you are a man who enjoys fine things in life, how did you enjoy the very fine Grand Prix this evening?
Walter von Kanel: “As Fahad said, we understand one thing - equestrian is our passion and equestrian is a sharing heritage. Between those two lines, passion and heritage, there is a great future together. We started here with Jan and all the riders and horses, grooms, owners, helpers, governments to help build a new life for equestrian. All together we can build a great future. I must say that I have never seen in my long experience in the sport an installation like this one here in Qatar. This is really the modern way to respect heritage. I want to thank everyone here.”
Inteviewer: Jan Tops, what a showdown! It has all come together. What a fantastic finish, you must be a very happy man.
Jan Tops: “After so many years, it seems that this has all come together. All the stakeholders should get credit for this, the riders prepare all year to get their horses ready for these events and the sponsors do their best every year to improve their support. We have ended up here in this beautiful place which is designed for the horse and which we as riders appreciate very much. With a final like this, you can say that after many years, you have the whole picture the way you want it. I want to congratulate everyone involved.”
Interviewer: And looking to 2014?
Jan Tops: “Always we have to look to the modern way. Look to other sports to ensure we are getting better all the time. Don’t stand still and be creative. There is always room for improvement.”
QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR:
Scott, did you feel under pressure today and was it hard to re-group after hearing that you had won the Championship before doing the jump-off?
Scott Brash: “I think that, to be fair, there would be more pressure on people at the top of the table. When you’re coming from behind, you can just give it your all. But as Laura said, I was focused on the class and I knew if we could both do as well as we could, that was the best we could hope for. If it then worked out on the day that we won the league then so be it.Thankfully it came right. After the second round, when they told me I had won the Championship, I wanted to be very happy and celebrate, but I knew I still had a job to do. I think to be in the jump-off with two of my biggest idols spurred me on to concentrate and try to beat them. It worked out, all credit to my horse he was fantastic today.”
Scott, you have won an Olympic gold. Where does this win stand in the grand scheme of things?
Scott Brash: “It’s right up there. The Olympics in your home country is a memory for the rest of your life, but to win this fantastic series and it being my birthday makes this one of the best days of my life.”
Jan tops, what did you think of the Qatari riders’ performance?
Jan Tops: “There were some good rounds. You can see that they are not as experienced yet at this level. But the aim for us is to get closer and closer in the years to come. They are very focused and they know their goals so they will get there.”
Question: I believe the final is coming back here next year, where can we see AL SHAQAB in the global show jumping scene in the future?
Fahad Saad Al Qahtani: “We have an obligation to this industry in general, its part of our beliefs, heritage and vision. We have specialised in Arabian horses, but our commitment to horses in general means that we will find ways to promote the sport. There are very few sports that can promote key messages worldwide - the sharing and exchanging of knowledge and ideas - that for me was the peak of what we just achieved. Our relationship comes in a strategic partnership. We share the same things. The future is definitely bright and we will start working on next year’s project and the year after.”
SIDE INTERVIEW:
Rob Hoekstra (British World Class Showjumping Performance Manager):
“We thought when we came here that (Scott) would have a good chance because of the way the points system works, as he only had five results counting before the event and all the others had six. I thought that if he could have a really good result in the Grand Prix, that he could be really close. That’s why we came. We worked out the points and kept (Hello Sanctos) especially for the event. He had a quiet round on the first day and made a good plan for the main class and it worked out.
“(Sanctos) will probably go to Geneva and then have a rest. We don’t know if he will go to America or not yet. He might do more of the World Cup shows. Looking at the World Equestrian Games, Scott is high up on the list to go, as he has two good horses with Ursula as well. He has a very good chance to go with one of the horses. The World Cup Final is first, so he will aim one horse for there and probably take the other to the World Equestrian Games. As far as the venue is concerned this is by far the most fantastic place I have ever seen. It’s incredible. We’ll be back for sure.”
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