Many of the world’s top showjumpers will be in action this weekend for the 8th round of competition in the 2016 Longines Global Champions Tour, the sparkling LGCT Cannes. With an all-star horse and rider line up, it’s set to be a stunning weekend of top sport and entertainment, just a moments walk from the world-famous La Croisette.
LGCT Ranking leader Christian Ahlmann (GER) brings two big contenders, with the experienced 16 year old bay stallion Taloubet Z teamed up with the up and coming 9 year old grey stallion Caribis Z in action this weekend for the top German rider. Compatriot Ludger Beerbaum (GER) has also brought the big guns out, with his top stallion Chaman back in action for this leg of the Tour.
Christian Ahlmann. PC: Stefano Grasso/LGCT
The heavyweights of show jumping are out in full force, as John Whitaker (GBR) brings his formidable stallion Argento, fresh from their recent success, and Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) will show her sparky 13 year old bay mare Lintea Tequila, the LGCT Grand Prix of Miami Beach winning combination. Bertram Allen (IRL) will field two of his top horses, the fast and furious chestnut gelding Quiet Easy, and his up and coming superstar, the talented 9 year old stallion Hector van D’Abdjhoeve, a horse whom has helped secured Bertram’s silver medal at the LGCT Mexico City.
The French riders will also be bringing some famous faces to this home show. Last year’s LGCT Grand Prix of Cannes winner Pénélope Leprevost (FRA) brings top 11 year old bay mare Ratina d’la Rousserie as well as the 12 year old Nice Stephanie. World Number 2 Simon Delestre (FRA) will compete with the chestnut gelding Chesall Zimequest, and Roger-Yves Bost (FRA) brings the 10 year old Sydney une Prince to this glamorous weekend of show jumping.
Penelope Leprovost. PC: Hippo Foto – Dirk Caremans
Ben Maher (GBR) brings top horse, the fiery chestnut Aristo Z, a gelding well suited to the intimate sand arena and one that has performed well here in the past. His compatriot Laura Renwick (GBR) fields two of her top horses; Bintang II and MHS Washington, both of whom won classes at the recent Longines Global Champions Tour of Madrid.
The stunning grey Comanche 28 returns to Tour with Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER), with Marcus Ehning (GER) riding the 11 year old chestnut stallion Funky Fred, and David Will (GER) competing with Mic Mac du Tillard and Quincy, two horses who have won CSI5* classes for him on the Tour this year. Top US rider Lauren Hough will bring two of her top horses to the stunning destination of Cannes, with the 12 year old bay mare Ohlala and the 11 year old mare Royalty des Isles both on form ahead of this weekend.
US Contingency in Cannes, France for LGCT: 
Other big names include Gregory Wathelet’s (BEL) Citizenguard Taalex, Olivier Philippaerts’ (BEL) H&M Legend of Love, Scott Brash’s (GBR) Hello Forever, Harrie Smolders’ (NED) Don VHP Z, Sheikh Ali Bin Khalid Al Thani’s (QAT) First Devision, Maikel van der Vleuten’s (NED) VDL Groep Quatro and Jessica Springsteen’s (USA) lightning quick Davendy S.
The Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Cannes will be broadcast Live on Eurosport, with coverage of all the CSI5* events via the GCT TV online streaming platform. The Global Champions League team competition will follow the Grand Prix directly on Saturday 11th June, with the first round starting at 22:00 local time. Home team, the Cannes Stars, will undoubtably be looking to capitalise on their recent podium success in front of the home crowd, and as the season gallops past it’s midway point, the stakes are raised in the battle for the overall Championship.
For the full horse and rider list, please click here.