Championship leader Eduardo Alvarez Aznar headlines Longines Global Champions Tour of Madrid riders announcement

As anticipation mounts for the kick-off of the European stages of the Longines Global Champions Tour in Madrid this weekend (17 - 19 May), the most illustrious list of the world’s top equestrian talent is unveiled! As the current LGCT championship leader, Eduardo Alvarez Aznar is poised to defend his position on home turf and the stakes are higher than ever!

With 22 nationalities being represented the competition is sure to be fierce, as riders battle it out in the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Madrid - but who will come out on top?

The intense 2024 Longines Global Champions Tour ranking battle could be in for a major shakeup. Eduardo Alvarez Aznar, who currently leads the LGCT Championship by a slim margin of 5 points over contender Max Khüner, will face immense pressure as he vies to maintain his top standing. Khüner, determined to close the gap, promises an electrifying showdown in the heart of Madrid at the beautiful destination of Club de Campo Villa de Madrid.

Adding to the excitement, six of the top eight riders in the current LGCT Championship standings will be in attendance, ensuring a spectacle of world-class show jumping. Among them is LGCT Grand Prix of Mexico victor, Nicola Philippaerts, returning to a huge grass arena. Will he be able to make it two win's this year? 

Gilles Thomas, fresh from a victory at the LGCT Grand Prix of Shanghai, brings his A-game to Madrid, eager to clinch another podium finish. Joining him are esteemed riders including Christian Kukuk, Katrin Eckermann, Philipp Weishaupt, show jumping legend John Whitaker, two-time LGCT Champion Scott Brash, Maikel van der Vleuten, world number one Henrik von Eckermann, Laura Kraut, and Niels Bruynseels just to name a few, comprising one of the most illustrious riders lists of the season.

Adding to the star-studded roster is the esteemed three-time LGCT Champion, Ben Maher, who will be lining up in the starting box and flexing his muscles in preparation for a venue he knows and loves. Joining them will be a host of other elite Spanish riders, Sergio Alvarez Moya, Armando Trapote, Manuel Fernandez Saro, Mariano Martinez Bastida and Teresa Blazquez-Abascal.

Find out who will join Abdel Saïd, Michael Dufy, Nicola Philippaerts and Gilles Thomas and earn a golden ticket to the LGCT Super Grand Prix at the GC Playoffs this November, as the show promises to be a nail-biting affair.

Kicking off a flat-out gallop across key European cities, Madrid is a globally significant capital that buzzes with sophistication and energy. With excellent equestrian facilities and two golf courses - including one designed by the late Seve Ballesteros - this unique venue brings together elite-level competition and the glamour of world-class show jumping in the historic Spanish capital.

Fans can also follow the action on social media using the hashtag #LGCTMadrid or watch all the action live on GCTV. Don't miss your chance to see some of the world's best equestrian talent in action!