Fotograf: Stefano Grasso
Global Champions Tour, the world’s premier show jumping circuit, arrives in Doha, Qatar, next month for the launch of another outstanding season of top-level equestrian sport around the world.
In this Olympics year the top international riders, including GCT 2011 overall champion Edwina Tops-Alexander, will travel from all corners of the globe with their prize-winning horses for the prestigious opening event. Hosted by the Qatar Equestrian Federation, GCT Doha takes place in the Al Rayyan outdoor arena from April 5th to 7th with the thrilling first Grand Prix of 2012 being broadcasted by Eurosport to a live TV audience around the world.
Photo credits: Stefano Grasso/GCT
GCT President Jan Tops said: “We are looking forward to a great season of world class show jumping and I am delighted to see that our equestrian sport is ever more popular in the Middle East region. Qatar continues to grow as a significant sporting destination and we are pleased the opening event of our biggest season to date will be in Doha. I am personally delighted that the Qatari national riders will once again be part of GCT this year following their growing success during 2011.”
Photo credits: Stefano Grasso/GCT
In 2012, Global Champions Tour will showcase the world’s top 30 riders, competing for ranking points, at 13 stunning international locations.
Events attract an exceptional audience with royal patronage, the international jet set, celebrities and leading business figures in an exclusive but accessible atmosphere in some of the world’s most spectacular destinations. From Prince Albert II of Monaco to Princess Caroline of Hanover. From patroness Athina Onassis to Charlotte Casiraghi. From Roman Abramovich to Bruce Springsteen and 007 Sir Roger Moore.
Global Champions Tour stars, including last year’s winner in Doha Alvaro de Miranda, will be competing for one of the richest prizes on offer in the sport with €450,000 to be divided among the winner and runners up in the Grand Prix of Qatar on Saturday evening.
This year the GCT calendar includes four new events in Wiesbaden, Lausanne, Vienna and Shanghai.
GCT has been a proud partner with Qatar since 2008 and this year event facilities for spectators will include refreshment areas, commercial stands and grandstands for watching all the sporting action. Fans can also follow the event via live streaming on the GCT website www.globalchampionstour.com.
After Doha, the Global Champions Tour moves to the Oliva Nova Beach and Golf Resort, Spain, May 4th to 6th.
