The LGCT Monaco Championship Battle Intensifies as the Top Three Rider Come Out in Force
The top three in the LGCT Ranking riders will come out in force for the 9th leg of the 2018 Championship race in Monaco.
At the sharp end of the grid two-time LGCT Champion Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) leads the field on 172 points, just a LGCT Grand Prix win away from Ben Maher (GBR) in second who has 143 points overall. Breathing down his neck is another two-time LGCT Champion, Scott Brash (GBR), who sits a further 12 points away – the British star will be one to watch this weekend, having previously won at this venue in 2015.
All three riders look to be on phenomenal form, with Maher winning an impressive two LGCT Grand Prix events so far this season – Madrid and Saint Tropez. The British rider has an enviable line-up of top horses, allowing him play to their strengths at the varying and diverse arenas. Both Tops-Alexander and Brash have also won a Grand Prix each, however Tops-Alexander has also been on the podium and consistently in the points to keep her tally above the British riders, with the top eight results counting towards the final outcome.
Former winners back in action this weekend include 2017 winner Alberto Zorzi (ITA), 2016 winner Emanuele Guadiano (ITA) and 2014 winner Bassem Hassan Mohammed (QAT). Amongst the stars, big names, rising talent and legends of the sport will be battling for the coveted LGCT Grand Prix du Prince de Monaco presented by Sapinda win, one of the most prestigious accolades in show jumping.
Looking to take the win under the evening lights will be the likes of World Number 1 Harrie Smolders (NED), John Whitaker (GBR), Marcus Ehning (GER), Bertram Allen (IRL), Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (SWE), Simon Delestre (FRA), Maikel van der Vleuten (NED), Roger-Yves Bost (FRA), Marlon Zanotelli (BRA), Michael Whitaker (GBR), Georgina Bloomberg (USA), Pieter Devos (BEL), Jennifer Gates (USA), Gerco Schroder (NED), Philipp Weishaupt (GER), and Sheikh Ali Bin Khalid Al Thani (QAT).
Monaco has been an established part of the LGCT calendar since 2006 and the magical back-drop of Port d’Hercule and the iconic Prince’s Palace in Monaco will once again provide a spectacular venue for the midway point in the 2018 Longines Global Champions Tour season. The three-day feast of top-class show jumping alongside the world-famous harbour of Monte-Carlo will deliver fantastic entertainment from the 28th – 30th June.
The best international riders and horses will descend on the Principality to face challenging technical courses in one of the most compact arenas on the Tour, where daring, scope and bravery are the key ingredients required for a successful charge. Watched over by the super-yachts and nestled in the former Formula 1 pit lane, this event is truly unique in the world of show jumping and draws guests and fans from all around the world.
The enchanting Riviera location and luxurious facilities at the Monaco event combine to deliver a stunning experience for families, VIPs, sponsors, owners and riders. Monaco, which also plays host to Formula One and ATP Masters tennis, is a hub of sport with many high-profile fans in attendance. Over the years, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and members of the Royal Family have joined business leaders and celebrities to cheer on the riders.
For the full rider list, please click here.
LGCT Rankings After Round Eight
- Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) 172 pts
- Ben Maher (GBR) 143 pts
- Scott Brash (GBR) 131 pts
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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.