Rome’s Circus Maximus to host Longines Global Champions Tour this September
Rome’s Circus Maximus is set to host the 12th & 13th leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour this September, which will see the ancient stadium hold horses for the first time in 2,000 years!
The World Heritage site, once used by Emperors for horse and chariot races, will display a selection of the world’s best equestrian athletes from 10 – 12 September and the 16 – 18 September for Rome’s leg of the LGCT Tour, where entry to the public will be free.
Rome made its debut on the tour in 2015 at the Stadio dei Marmi “Pietro Mennea” next to the city’s modern Olympic Stadium, with the support of the City and the Italian National Olympic Committee. Since, the grand exhibition of equestrian ability, power and speed has grown in popularity each year.
More than 200 horses will compete in 2* and 5* competition and the event will also showcase artist exhibitions, animations and shows.
In a truly magnificent setting, Circus Maximus sits beneath the famous Palatine Hill and is overlooked by the extraordinary ruins of the Imperial Palace. It is one of the most exceptional arenas for show jumping in the world today and is only one kilometre from the Colosseum where the gladiatorial games took place.
LGCT President Jan Tops said:
We are extremely appreciative of the support of the City of Rome to enable us to present the LGCT of Rome in this truly incredible venue in the heart of ancient Rome. Horses will once again be in competition at Circus Maximus with its great historical significance and we are privileged to stage modern day show jumping of the highest calibre at this ancient site.”
As standard, GCTV will deliver all the action from both leg’s of the tour. Viewers at home will be able to watch the action and highlights of what’s set to be three thrilling days of top level sport.
Circus Maximus, the first and largest stadium in ancient Rome and the later Roman Empire, will be the new home for LGCT in Rome for the next five years. The venue is 2,037 feet will be in action during the back to back weekends of top show jumping with Italian stars out in force.
The event will also be a fantastic opportunity for young talent to shine in the 2* competitions at the incredible new venue.
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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.