I think it is safe to say the world of show jumping is in love with the Longines Global Champions Tour. This action-packed show series brings together the best of the best in a head to head battle for the gold and the 2018 teams are in it to win it. Following a thrilling stop on Miami Beach, the tour begins its third stop of the year in Shanghai this Friday, April 20th through Sunday, April 22nd.
Full house during the Massimo Dutti Trophy in 2017. Photo by Stefano Grasso/LGCT
Who To Keep Your Eyes On
Two-time LGCT champions, Scott Brash and Edwina Tops-Alexander, have both made their way to China to fight for their third LGCT career win. Scott Brash is the current leader on the scoreboard, but Edwina is a mere 13 points behind him. With the LGCT Grand Prix offering 40 points to the winner, it could be anyone’s game to shake up the leader board this week in Shanghai.
But there is a potential game-changer being thrown into the mix this week. Harrie Smolders of the Netherlands and reigning LGCT champion is making his 2018 debut in the tour this week aboard his stallion, Don VHP Z. Just three years ago, Harrie was victorious in Shanghai. Will 2018 be his year to claim that title again?
Check out the full list of riders competing this weekend HERE.
Gregory Wathelet on Eldorado van het Vijverhof in 2018. Photo by Stefano Grasso/LGCT
The Schedule
The competition schedule for the weekend is as follows:
And, just another reason to love the LGCT, you can live stream the entire weekend for free thanks to GCT TV.
The Global Champions League, Shanghai Stop
As always, the Global Champions League will also be offering tantalizing competition on Friday and Saturday this week. Valkenswaard United is going into this leg of the tour with 46 points, just three points above the Prague Lions who currently sit in second. The Miami Celtics and Paris Panthers aren’t far behind, however, as they concluded the Miami Beach stop of the tour tied at 39 points. Finally, wrapping up the top five are the London Knights who are coming into the weekend with 32 points.
The competition is bound to be tough with the top five so close together in scores. It could be anyone’s game and the opportunity for an upset is still there as the top 10 teams are all above 25 points. See below for the number of points awarded for each team’s placing:
You can check out the current 2018 team standings HERE.
Hold on to your hats, round 3 of the 2018 Championship is coming your way… Excited for Shanghai? Cue the dramatic music 😎
Posted by Longines Global Champions Tour on Monday, April 16, 2018
Go Jumping!