Photos: Stefano Grasso / LGCT
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) will look to
extend his 60 point lead as he 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. 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 fantastic
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 who she won the gold with in 2015, 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.
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 also 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.
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 all the information about the LGCT Cannes, including a
show schedule, please click
here. For a full rider list, please click
here.