Doha: Al Shaqab is poised to kickoff the 2025 Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) and Global Champions League (GCL) season, as elite riders and teams compete for early supremacy on this esteemed circuit.
The inaugural event in Doha will showcase over 270 riders from 35 nations, marking the commencement of the 16-stop Tour, which will conclude with the Playoffs in Prague from November 20-23.
Established in 2006 by Olympic gold medalist Jan Tops, the LGCT unites top riders for the individual show jumping series, while the GCL features teams of both established and emerging U25 riders contending for the Championship title.
In a recent press conference held in Doha, Event Director Mohammed Jaber Al Khayarin conveyed his confidence in Al Shaqab’s capability to host the event at its remarkable Longines Indoor and Outdoor Arenas.
“Hosting the Longines Global Champions Tour at Al Shaqab presents a distinctive opportunity to elevate Qatar’s profile in the international equestrian arena,” stated Al Khayarin.
“We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of organization, ensuring an event that embodies Qatar’s equestrian heritage, harmonizing modernity with tradition.”
Al Shaqab has consistently hosted premier equestrian events in recent weeks, including the Doha International Tour Rounds, H H the Amir Sword Festival, and CHI Al Shaqab.
LGCT President Jan Tops emphasized that Doha is the perfect location to commence the season.
“We’ve been returning to Al Shaqab since 2008, and both the country and the event have grown tremendously over the years. It’s the perfect start for the 2025 season, giving riders an opportunity to prepare for the year ahead. With stops in Vienna and New York this season, we’re excited for what’s to come,” he said.
LGCT Sports Director Marco Danese highlighted the new schedule’s emphasis on horse welfare, offering riders improved preparation and recovery time. With the GCL now on Day 1, the competition flow is more balanced, allowing for a more strategic approach between the GCL and the Grand Prix, he said.
Julien Anquetin, competing for the first time at Al Shaqab with the Doha Falcons team, was impressed by the world-class facilities.
“The venue is designed with top horses and sport in mind. I’m excited to compete here and aim for the podium in front of a home crowd,” said the French rider.
A stellar lineup for Doha includes eight of the top 10 riders from the 2024 LGCT Championship, including Christian Kukuk, Andreas Schou and Edwina Tops-Alexander.
This year’s GCL comprises 17 teams, with the Monaco Comets powered by Iron Dames making their debut.
Team owner Deborah Mayer expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “It is a privilege to have two teams participating in the 2025 GCL circuit. We are delighted to welcome the skilled and experienced riders of the new team, and we eagerly anticipate this wonderful journey together. We are committed to being a long-term presence in the sport.”
The Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames, the defending GCL champions and winners of Doha 2024, will strive to defend their title with a strong lineup featuring Sophie Hinners, Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann, and Sanne Thijssen.
The four-day event will conclude with the esteemed CSI5* 1.60m Grand Prix on Saturday.
DAY 1 – WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2025
MAIN ARENA
• 12:00 | CSI 3* | 2 Phases Special | 1.35m
• 15:20 | CSI 3* | Against the clock NO Jump off | 1.45m
• 18:10 | CSI J | 2 Phases Special | 1.20m
• 19:00 | CSI 5* | Warm up | 1.40m
INDOOR ARENA
• 13:00 | CSI 1* | Against the clock NO Jump off | 1.20m
• 15:45 | CSI 1* | 2 Phases Special | 1.10m
• 19:45 | CSN | Optimum Time | 0.60m
DAY 2 – THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025
MAIN ARENA
• 09:00 | CSI 3* | Against the clock NO Jump off | 1.40m
• 10:00 | CSI 3* | Against the clock NO Jump off | 1.50m
• 12:10 | GCL TEAMS PARADE
• 15:00 | CSI 5* | Against the clock NO Jump off | 1.55m
• 17:40 | Lighting Show
• 18:45 | CSI 5* | Against the clock NO Jump off | 1.60m
INDOOR ARENA
• 13:00 | CSI 1* | Against the clock NO Jump off | 1.25m
• 15:50 | CSI 1* | Against the clock NO Jump off | 1.10m
• 19:45 | CSN | Optimum Time | 0.80m
DAY 3 – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2025
MAIN ARENA
• 09:00 | CSI 3* | Against the clock NO Jump off | 1.40m
• Break Time
• 13:00 | CSI 5* | 2 Phases Special | 1.45m
• 15:15 | CSI J | Against the clock WITH Jump off | 1.25m
• 16:45 | CSI 3* | Against the clock WITH Jump off | 1.50m
• 19:15 | Lighting Show
• 19:45 | CSI 5* | Against the clock WITH Jump off | 1.50m
INDOOR ARENA
• 09:30 | CSN | Optimum Time | 1.00m
• 13:00 | CSI 1* | Grand Prix (Against the clock WITH Jump off) | 1.30m
• 17:30 | CSI 1* | Against the clock WITH IMMEDIATE Jump off | 1.15m
DAY 4 – SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 2025
MAIN ARENA
• 15:30 | CSI 5* | Against the clock NO Jump off | 1.45m
• 20:00 | CSI 5* | Grand Prix (Against the clock WITH Jump off) | 1.60m
