Longines Global Champions Tour has officially arrived in Mexico City, and day one kicked off in spectacular style with a bustling crowd casting an apprehensive atmosphere with the knowledge of what is to come in the days ahead. It was flying Frenchman Simon Delestre and Olga van de Kruishoeve who won the Trofeo Broxel 1.45m two-phase by over 2.5 seconds.
Speaking to GCTV Simon smiled: “The crowd here in Mexico City are always fantastic and this is just the first day! The grass arena felt amazing and Olga loves it here, I was unlucky in Miami last week so hopefully my luck has changed and I can carry on this strong start for the rest of the weekend.”
Under the shade of the huge Mexican flag spectators from near and far lined the edge of the arena as hometown heroes and international superstars took to the hallowed grass arena. The likes of Nicolas Pizzaro, Carlos Hank, Patricio Pasquel and Fernando Martinez Sommer put on a show with cheers of support echoing around the arena.
Top sport was on display with the first of 12 clear rounds coming from Gilles Thomas aboard Elfra van Beek Z, proving that the Peter Grant built a challenging yet jumpable course. Not to be outdone, Andreas Schou aboard Billy Matador threw caution to the wind and took the lead in quick succession. Impressive clear rounds then followed Lorenzo de Luca on Denver de Talma. A quick succession of the world’s best were quick to follow, with the top three of Simon Delestre aboard Olga van de Kruishoeve, Denis Lynch with Cordial, Richard Vogel and Cydello rounding out the podium.
(The only Canadian in the field of 48 was Erynn Ballard riding Gakhir, who placed 18th.)
The Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix winner of Miami Beach, Michael Duffy aboard O’ Balou van de Plataan, was last to go with fellow stars of LGCT Grand Prix winners such as Daniel Deusser, Katrin Eckermann, Edwina Tops-Alexander, Maikel Van De Vleuten and Nicola Phillippaerts taking to the hallowed arena, preparing their horses for a spectacular three remaining days of show jumping at stage three of the ultimate championship race.
All eyes look ahead to day two of the Longines Global Champions Tour of Mexico City, Friday 11 April, where horse and riders are set to return for two CSI5* competitions. Tune in to GCTV to watch all the action live and on demand.
Full results HERE.
More from News:
