Britain’s Olympic heroes will take on the rest of the world’s best riders as Longines Global Champions Tour heads to the beautiful surroundings of Syon Park by the River Thames and world famous Kew Gardens in west London.
A world class field will be in action for the Longines Global Champions Tour of London from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th July in the stunning grounds of Syon House, the London stately home of the Duke of Northumberland.
Speaking about the announcement, World No1 and reigning Longines Global Champions Tour champion Scott Brash said: “It’s great the Global Tour is bringing top international show jumping to London again this summer and I hope everyone will come and see us and enjoy the sport in this super location.”
With total prize money of around £600,000, the 11th leg of the circuit will feature a series of world class 5* competitions throughout the summer weekend at this exciting new destination for show jumping.
Longines Global Champions Tour President Jan Tops said: “We are looking forward to being in London for the third year and delighted to be staging our 2015 event during our 10th anniversary year at the beautiful location of Syon Park.”
Historic Syon House featured in the Academy Award-winning film Gosford Park, written by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, and has regularly appeared in movies and on TV.
Beccy Thorp, Head of Functions & Events at Syon Park, said: “We are delighted that the London leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour will be staged at Syon Park this summer and we are looking forward to hosting world class equestrian sport at this magnificent location.”
The thrilling 2015 series opened in spectacular style in Miami Beach last month and the battle for the No1 spot on the overall ranking has already been intense with Scott Brash, Luciana Diniz and Bassem Hassan Mohammed jostling for the leadership.
Last year Scott and his London Olympic Games gold medal horse Hello Sanctos triumphed in front of an ecstatic British crowd and in 2013 his British team mate Ben Maher also delivered a patriotic victory taking the honours in the Grand Prix in London.
This year they will be up against a strong field of riders from North America, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and Asia.
As well as 5* competitions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday featuring the world’s top riders, there will also be 2* amateur classes where talented young stars of the future will be in action each day at Syon Park. The showpiece Grand Prix will take place on the afternoon of Saturday 25th July.
Syon House will provide a historic and elegant setting with its beautiful parkland and gardens designed by Capability Brown and classic interiors by Robert Adam in the 18th century. The Longines Global Champions Tour event will be a great day out for families who can enjoy the prestige village and will also feature world class VIP Hospitality.
Source: GCT Press Release