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Press Conference - Longines Global Champions Tour

Anticipation mounts in build up to final showdown in Doha The world class facilities of Al Shaqab are set for this weekend’s championship showdown and the “inspirational” arrival of Longines Global Champions Tour is already contributing to growth in riding and equestrian sport in Qatar.

 As the champions of show jumping gather at Al Shaqab for the final event of the 2015 series, there was praise for the impact the circuit has on motivating young riders and Qatar’s national riders. Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation, runs special programmes to encourage youngsters to take up riding and train to become future athletes.

At a press conference earlier today to launch this week’s event Fahad Saad Al Qahtani, Group Executive Director Administration of Qatar Foundation and AL SHAQAB Executive Director, said: “There is a vision and insistence on the excellence of equestrianism here. We will have the best ranked riders in the world here at AL SHAQAB and this will allow the next generation to be inspired and have athletes to look up to. It impacts everyone; riders, trainers, grooms.

“After every Longines Global Champions Tour event at AL SHAQAB we see the interest and enquiries grow, and more and more numbers of horse riders have enrolled in our Academy. The presence of the Longines Global Champions Tour has added value to our vision. Every time we host the Tour, the demand increases, and this helps the development of community and awareness of equestrianism. We are happy to see so many people involved and we would like to say thank you to Jan Tops and his team who work so hard.”

The highest ranked Qatari riders will be in action during the Grand Prix this weekend, in preparation for next year’s Olympic games where they have recently qualified. Highest ranked rider Sheikh Ali Bin Khalid Al Thani (QAT) currently sits 6th on the LGCT Ranking board after his best season so far, with compatriot Bassem Hassan Mohammed (QAT) securing a silver and bronze medal while on the Tour this year.

In a dream scenario for top sport, this Saturday’s Grand Prix will see three riders challenge for the overall championship crown - Scott Brash (GBR), Luciana Diniz (POR) and Rolf-Goran Bengtsson (SWE).

LGCT President Jan Tops: “It’s very special for us to be here, and it will be a very special occasion. We have three riders here who can win the final event, and it’s every sporting event’s dream to have such attention to the last circuit. Last year it was the final rider who decided the season outcome, and we will have the same again this year which is quite exceptional. AL SHAQAB and Qatar are an incredible place; they are great for the sport, they have produced great Qatari riders and all the international riders enjoy coming here.

“This year we have 15 events which shows how the Tour has grown. To be here for the final is very exciting again. I am very involved with the Qatari team, and this event is very important for our riders as it is good preparation for the Olympics. Earlier this year we made a historic move to qualify for Rio, and it is important that we do well here with a view to next year.

"I’m very proud of how LGCT has grown and it is incredibly important for our sport. We broadcast our events on TV worldwide, and year on year the audience is increasing. Our sport is global, and we connect the world together, with our horses.”

Speaking of their growing success of the Qatari riders, he added: “Five years ago to achieve a podium would have been a dream. The way the team are working means that they will continue to progress and will be on the podium again soon.”

There will be free entry for school kids and university students to witness top-level equestrian sport and to encourage riding, part of the country’s heritage, among the youth in Qatar.

Omar Al Mannai, Commercial Manager of Al Shaqab, said: “It is an honour for our Qatari riders to compete on the Longines Global Champions Tour. We will also have a local competition which will give national Qatari horse riders the chance to get to know the top international riders, and learn many things. We wish all the best to the riders competing here.”

LGCT Sport Director Marco Danese said: “It is fantastic to see equestrian sport in Qatar growing year on year. There are 9 Qatari riders competing at this level now, and it continues to grow - the level of competition is excellent. All of the facilities are world class, not just the arena, but the technical facilities, the stables, the vet services.”