The London leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour drew to its final conclusion on Sunday (5 August) and we bid a sad farewell to the world’s top riders and the hard working crew that have made this show undoubtedly one of the greatest sporting events in the country. Here are just a few of our highlights from the third day — and don’t miss the full report, including Scott Brash’s landmark grand prix victory and expert comment from John Whitaker, in next week’s issue of Horse & Hound, out Thursday, 9 August.
Performance of the day: world number one Harrie Smolders from the Netherlands notching up his second win of the week in the CSI5* classes with one of our all-time favourite speed horses, Zinius. “He was unbelievable this week — two wins out of two classes and I’m very proud of him,” said Harrie.
Friendliest faces of the show: The Chelsea Pensioners. We absolutely love them. Despite the heat, they were out in full force in their iconic scarlet coats, not only enjoying all the showjumping action but always happy to stop and chat — and pose for pictures galore — with spectators (and Scott Brash). Thank you for having us at Royal Hospital Chelsea this week!
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Social media post of the day: Teddy The Shetland’s antics as he pranced around the show meeting his hordes of fans have had us all captivated. If you haven’t met this pint-sized celebrity, check him out on Instagram. Today he was spotted in the LGCT’s very own black taxi — what a legend.
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Photo of the day: William Funnell and Billy McCain flying through the finish in the show’s concluding CSI5* class, the 1.55m jump-off. The pair posted the quickest time but sadly took the final rail with them — still, this was William’s second top-six finish of the afternoon with the 10-year-old by Cevin Z. Not bad for a day’s work!
William Funnell on Billy Mccain
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Best of British: we may not have heard the national anthem ring out in any of today’s prize-giving ceremonies, but fortunately the Household Cavalry’s spectacular Musical Ride reminded us just how great it is to be British.
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Best way to celebrate your birthday: when Shane Breen won Sunday’s 1.45m speed class on the 10-year-old Irish sport horse CFS Vendi Cruz, the biggest cheers came from the mare’s owners Brian Cassidy and his wife Vicky — a fantastic addition to her birthday celebrations.
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Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.
