Photos: Stefano Grasso / LGCT
The Longines Global Champions Tour of
Miami Beach kicked off today on the breath-taking shoreline
of Florida’s coast, with competitors, spectators and VIPs
wowed by the incredible surroundings. The world’s best
riders and horses flexed their muscles for the first time on
the 2016 LGCT season circuit, with two CSI5* classes taking
place in the opening day of top level competition.
World number 3 and Olympic gold medallist Scott Brash (GBR)
summed up the incredible atmosphere; ‘to be on Miami Beach,
and to ride with the ocean right there, it’s unique and
special. Everyone wants to come to Miami Beach!” Entry to
the event is free to the public all weekend, and with larger
grandstands, up close and personal opportunities to see the
stars of show jumping in action, and a full three days of
high adrenaline action, LGCT Miami Beach is the place to be
this weekend.
Today’s action was the first showcase as to which top riders
are on form ahead of Saturday’s Longines Global Champions
Tour Grand Prix of Miami Beach. It was Great Britain’s
Olympic gold medallist Ben Maher (GBR) and his fiery
chestnut gelding Aristo Z who stole the first win of the
weekend. Ben galloped away from the rest of the field in the
CSI5* 1.45m class, winning by over a second ahead of young
Belgian star Jos Verlooy (BEL) and his horse Farfelu de la
Pomme. Third place went to Bassem Hassan Mohammed (QAT) and
Argelith Squid, who finished just tenths away from Jos.
Speaking about his win, Ben said: “[Aristo] is definitely a
specialist in this type of arena, he loves Cannes and Monaco
so we saved him specially for here in Miami - he likes this
ocean beach weather!”
And it was a stunning example of Miami Beach’s beautiful
climate. Sunbathers and spectators lined the arena, just a
stones throw from the water’s edge, to watch the world’s top
horses and riders battling it out for the top spots. The
LGCT Grand Prix riders took to the stunning sand arena for
the first time this weekend, with home riders Kent
Farrington (USA), Ali Wolff (USA), Beezie Maddon (USA),
Laura Kraut (USA) and Quentin Judge (USA) all finishing high
on the scoreboard over the two competitions much to the
delight of the watching crowd. The unique location drew in
passionate equestrians and passers by, keen to get a glimpse
of the stunning horses in action.
Home rider Laura Kraut (USA) spoke about the uniqueness of
this event; “I think everyone agrees [last year] was one of
the most phenomenal events of the year. What makes it great
is you have all the equestrian enthusiasts here, and then
all the beach goers - you can just walk up in your bathing
suit!"
As the day unfolded, speed demon Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA)
took the CSI5* feature class win with his beautiful grey
stallion Caspar 232, finishing an impressive two full
seconds ahead of 2nd place rider McLain Ward (USA). In a
showcase of speed and agility in the 1.50/1.55m class, the
Italian rider took out every stride possible, galloping to
the fences and shaving off time in every area. Young talent
Bertram Allen (IRL) took a strong third place, with chestnut
gelding Quiet Easy. The tough course set by Uliano Vezzani
saw just nine riders jump clear, and with today the first
opportunity to witness who is on form ahead of Saturday’s
Grand Prix, it's set to be an exhilarating weekend of
action. Anticipation is mounting ahead of the debut Global
Champions League competition, with the draw for the team
order taking place Friday 8th April at 13:30 local time.
To hear Ben’s interview, please click
here. For more information on the classes coming up,
including the Global Champions League team competition on
Sunday 10th April, please click
here.