LGCT Heavyweight Horsepower Heads to Paris

Big expectations have been set ahead of this week’s Longines Global Champions Tour – Longines Paris Eiffel Jumping, as the 9th round of the Championship race gets underway and Christian Ahlmann and Ben Maher go head to head in the magical city.

A whole host of horsepower will be present in Paris for what promises to be a unique sporting, social and cultural spectacular, set once again against the backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, the Eiffel Tower.

Current overall ranking leader Christian Ahlmann has widened his lead slightly after his win in Stockholm last week, where he now sits on 188 points overall. Ahead of the event, he spoke of what it takes to succeed at the highest level of the sport. “We have had a great season so far but it’s only halftime. I am very pleased with my horses and my whole team who work really really hard and I really hope that everything stays sound and focused and we can make it at the end of the season.”

Second in the ranking, but breathing down the neck of the German champion is two-time LGCT Champion Ben Maher on 154 points overall, and with the return of Explosion W he is sure to be aiming high for this weekend. However, young talent Gilles Thomas can’t be forgotten as he will be going all guns blazing under the Eiffel Tower to try and better his 5th spot on the Championship table.

Needing to kick start their championship campaigns and all looking for a big points haul in the iconic city are Edwina Tops-Alexander, Gregory Wathelet, John Whitaker, Jur Vrieling, Jessica Springsteen, Spencer Smith, Georgina Bloomberg and Darragh Kenny.

One of the most visited cities in the world, Paris is brimming with famous attractions and landmarks. Spectators can enjoy world-class show jumping in the heart of the ‘International City of Style’, against one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world. Over 50,000 visitors are expected to attend what’s become a meeting place for horse lovers and socialites around the world.

The local heroes will be out in full force this weekend as top French riders include names such as Edward Levy, Jeanne Sadran, Julien Anquetin, Kevin Staut, Nina Mallevaey, Olivier Perreau, Olivier Robert, Penelope Leprevost, Philippe Leoni and Simon Delestre.

FAST FACTS: LGCT – LPEJ

Debut year on Tour: 2014
Number of CSI5* International Riders: 51
Course Designer: Gregory Bodo
GCL Home City Team: Paris Panthers
LGCT Grand Prix Prize Money: 300,000 euros
Total Prize Money for LGCT – LPEJ: 692,700 euros

For rider information visit www.gcglobalchampions.com

Suzanne Ashton

Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.