news

Deusser Dazzles in Doha to clinch LGCT Grand Prix Win

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF), crowned Daniel Deusser as the winner of the 2020 Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) opening leg, after the German’s stunning win against the cream of showjumping in Doha.

A delighted Deusser also clinched the first golden ticket to the LGCT Super Grand Prix at the GC Prague Playoffs, after his victory at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, member of QF. Nicola Philppaerts finished second, while Jérôme Guéry took third place.

His triumph follows his Grand Prix victory in last weekend’s Commercial Bank CHI Al SHAQAB Presented by Longines competition, also at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab.

The in-form Deusser and his horse, Killer Queen VDM, flew out of the starting blocks last night, navigating the 1.60m course with ease, and claiming victory in a blistering 42.54s.

Afterwards, he praised Killer Queen VDM: "She is still quite young at 10 years old and I think she has just shown everyone that she is one of the best horses in the world right now.”

The LGCT event was a dazzling affair, with spectators in the grandstands and ringside cafes witnessing a spectacular sound and light show during the prizegiving ceremony on the final day.

Earlier in the evening, the London Knights stamped their authority on the first leg of the 2020 GCL team series after a last-minute drama crushed the hopes of closest rivals St Tropez Pirates.

Twin brothers Nicola and Olivier Philippaerts emerged triumphant in the opening GCL competition of the new season with an impressive clean scoresheet and an unbeatable time. Paris Panthers, featuring Gregory Wathelet and new signing Penelope Leprevost, were the only other team to produce a full set of clear rounds, giving them a well-deserved second place.

Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah, Qatar Equestrian Federation President, awarded the winning team.

Olivier Philippaerts said: “The pressure is on. We have won the last two years, but we started off with a win so that gives great motivation for the next few shows. The season is still very long but we choose our best horses for the events and we hope to do well again in the Super Cup. All the teams work towards it.”

Nicola Philippaerts said: “It’s really cool to win with my brother for the first time. We’re very happy, both horses jumped very well. It’s very nice to have a kick off here and to win straight away in Doha.”