The world’s top showjumpers headed to Madrid last weekend (1-3 May) for the third leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour. We go behind the scenes and bring you all the action from the three-day show.
1. Flying high
The grand prix is won by Portugal’s Luciana Diniz with the 16-year-old Darco stallion Winningmood. This fantastic partnership produced the only double clear of this normally three-round competition to lift a cheque for 105,600euro.
2. Standing room only
With free entry, the locals flock through the turnstiles for the 105th running of the Madrid Horse Show.
3. British winner
Ben Maher rides Contigo 37 (Calato x Quidam De Revel), who is new to this level, to victory in the 1.45m two-phase on day one. Ben was part of the British team that won team bronze at the European Championships held at this venue in 2011.
4. Tiger Woods eat your heart out
Canadian showjumper Eric Lamaze proves there’s always time for a round of golf, sinking some putts on the show’s neighbouring golf course. Who needs plus fours anyway?
5. One for Ireland
Darragh Kenny and new ride Belle Rock, by Limmerick, win their second GCT speed class in as many weeks. “I really didn’t think I’d win — I was hoping for top six,” said the 27-year-old who is based in Holland for the summer.
6. Ready for action
Marcus Ehning’s wonderful 18-year-old stallion Plot Blue strikes a pose for the cameras while waiting for the vet check. The pair finished 14th in the grand prix.
7. All out for victory
Frenchman Roger Yves Bost and Quod’Coeur De La Loge go flat out over the finish to take victory in Sunday’s prestigious King’s Cup.
8. Credit cards at the ready
The Hermes village proves a popular viewing spot — and handy if you’re in the market for a new saddle.
9. Lunch
Laura Kraut’s Cedric and Bassem Hassan Mohammed’s Victoria get acquainted over a bite to eat.
10. Top five for the teenager
19-year-old Bertram Allen secures fifth place in the grand prix with the 17-year-old stallion Romanov having earlier won a class with new ride Quiet Easy 4.
11. Speedy
21-year-old Belgian rider Constant Van Paesschen lands Saturday’s speed class with Citizenguard Taalex. If he hadn’t been a showjumper, Constant reckons he’d be a hot shot Formula One driver.
12. Back at the top
Scott Brash may have been demoted from the world number one spot, but fourth place in Saturday’s grand prix on Hello Sanctos put him back at the top of the Longines Global Champions Tour rankings for 2015. “I’ll certainly be trying to retain my title,” said Scott, who won the championship in 2013 and 2014.
