Augustsson Zanotelli on top for LGCT London 5* Curtain Raiser

The first class 5* of the Longines Global Champions Tour of London kicked off in impressive fashion with a masterful round from Sweedish rider, Angelica Augustsson Zanotelli.

Grasping victory in the historic setting of the Royal Hospital Chelsea aboard her 10 year old mare, Danna Rj, Angelica took the win in impressive company with challenges to her time right until the last rider. Angelica clinched the win from British young-gun Joseph Stockdale on his home soil, and placed ahead of British veteran John Whittaker who secured third.

In fourth place, Michael G Duffy who held the lead for the majority of the class, finished ahead of Sanne Thijssen (NED) who finished in fifth, just milliseconds ahead of Gerrit Nieberg (GER) aboard Amigo by A Conto S.

Providing a spectacular backdrop, the Royal Hospital Chelsea plays host to this weekend’s event, with the historic building and blue skies an impressive feature as the world’s top show jumpers took centre stage in the centre of London. 

Italian course designer, Uliano Vezzani put together a simple course that asked all the right questions of horses and riders for the first 5* competition in the United Kingdom’s capital city. The 1.45m two phase class featured a triple combination set across the centre of the arena, a delicate Longines plank vertical, and a bright and bold rainbow oxer alongside the VIP hospitality. 

With nineteen clear rounds in a field of 46 riders, spectators were swaddled in the atmosphere, while riders set themselves up nicely for the weekend to come.

Other impressive clears came from Michael Duffy (IRL), Ben Maher (GBR), Sara Vingralokava (CZE), Rodrog Pessoa (BRA), Nina Mallevaey of France, and twelfth place getter Ioli Mytilineou of Greece. 

Leading riders that posted impressive and quick clears who we can look forward to watching their form for the remainder of the weekend include Pieter Devos aboard Mom’s Toupie de la Roque, Daniel Deusser of Germany, Olivier Philippaerts (BEL), Maikel van der Vleuten (NED), Jodie Hall Mcateer (GBR), Jur Vrieling (NED) and Christian Ahlmann (GER).

The next class, the GCL London first round will kick off at 17:00 local time (18:00 CET) with all the action streamed live on GC TV.