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11 things we learnt from the Global Champions Tour of London *PICTURES*


  • If you missed this year's Global Champions Tour of London, we've rounded up a taste of the action — from grand prix tension to elaborate topiary and lobster lunches

    1. Showjumping can be an excessively tense — and cruel — sport…

    Longines Global Champions Tour of London on 25 07 2015
    Sweden’s Rolf-Göran Bengtsson took the Longines Global Champions Tour (GCT) grand prix of London riding Casall ASK — with John Whitaker and Argento missing out by an agonisingly narrow 0.08seconds.

    2. … particularly for the family looking on

    Longines Global Champions Tour of London on 25 07 2015
    From left to right: Jack, Michael and William Whitaker watch the grand prix anxiously.

    3. Some people had a better weekend than others

    Longines Global Champions Tour of London on 25 07 2015
    Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Al Sharbatly took a heavy fall from Old Chap Tame in the grand prix.

    Continued below…

    4. Home crowds make all the difference…

    Laura Renwick on Bintang II
    Laura Renwick took the final class of the London Longines Global Champions Tour, the CSI5* Massimo Dutti Trophy, with the nine-year-old gelding Bintang II. “It’s lovely to be jumping at home, it’s lovely to be at a GCT event and then to win is just the icing on the cake,” said Laura after the class.

    4. …and you can always rely on British fans to turn up whatever the weather

    Supporters of Laura Renwick
    Come rain or shine, true fans will have their Union Flags at the ready.

    5. Grown-ups are not adverse to a fairground ride

    Longine Carousel Copyright LGC/ Graham Gannon
    The Longine Carousel seemed to attract plenty of (adult) attention.

    6. This year’s venue had the wow factor…

    Arena Viewl Copyright LGC/ Graham Gannon
    Having moved from last year’s Horse Guards location in central London, the new Syon Park venue situated next to the River Thames and Kew Gardens provided a stunning backdrop. It was just a shame there weren’t more spectators to enjoy it…

    7. …and there were extensive facilities to keep the riders happy too

    Riders and horses warming up
    Competitors enjoyed ample space to warm-up their horses.

    8. VIPs are treated very, very well on the Global Champions Tour

    VIP Scene  Copyright LGC/ Graham Gannon
    Lobster was on the menu for the VIPs’ lunch — topped off with front row seats to catch the top-class action.

    10. And finally… showjumping-shaped hedges really do exist…

    Longines Global Champions Tour of London on 25 07 2015
    Topiary at its best at Syon Park.

    11. …as do balloons

    Longines Global Champions Tour of London on 25 07 2015
    One Longines ballon escapes during the grand prix.

    Read the full report from the GCT of London in the 30 July issue of Horse & Hound magazine

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