Reserve World Champions Dutch Team and Leading Riders Touch Down in Valkenswaard, Tops International Arena
Press Release: 24.08.22
As the 2022 Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL season heats up and the race to the Playoff’s in Prague in full swing, a star-studded lineup of the worlds best is revealed for the 12th round of the series – the Longines Global Champions Tour of Valkenswaard, The Netherlands.
With the tour returning to the home of the Longines Global Champions Tour, both equine and human athletes, and spectators alike will be treated to a weekend of world-class competition in world-class surroundings. The spectacular Tops International Arena provides the ultimate equestrian destination for the host of world-class horses and riders to battle it out for the top podium position for the LGCT Grand Prix of Valkenswaard.
One of the few remaining qualifying spots for the LGCT Super Grand Prix at the GC Playoffs in Prague in November will also be at the front of mind for the riders in action this week and still hungry to qualify again are Olivier Robert, Shane Breen, John Whitaker and Edwina Tops-Alexander. While the young guns like Jack Whitaker, Michael Pender, Bertram Allen, Michael G Duffy, Laura Klaphake, Mike Kawai, Brian Moggre, Harry Charles, Jodie Hall McAteer, Lily Attwood and Lillie Keenan all looking to prove they have what it takes.
Last year’s LGCT Valkenswaard winner Ben Maher is included in the line-up for 2022, as well as recently crowned Dutch reserve world champions Maikel van der Vlueten, Sanne Thijssen and Jur Veirling along with home grown hero’s Johnny Pals, Eric van der Vlueten, Kevin Jochems, Jack Ansems, and Michael Greeve, just to name a few.
Other big names at the show this weekend include current tour leader Christian Ahlmann and the LGCT Super Grand Prix qualified riders who include Ludger Beerbaum, Malin Baryard-Johnsson, Marlon Zanotelli, Max Kuhner and winner of the recent Longines Global Champions Tour of London Grand Prix, Pieter Devos.
For the 15th season of the world's premier show jumping series, the world class, state-of-the-art Tops International Arena will host the 12th leg of the circuit from 26th – 28th August. The world-class facilities at the epicentre of equestrianism in Europe, were created by Founder and President Jan Tops and have raised the bar in equestrian sport to new heights.
Designed with the horse as the top priority, the show ground features an exceptional 125m by 85m sweeping grass arena and further sand arenas featuring top-class footing, canter tracks and lunging arenas, expansive warm-up arenas, exceptional wash areas and facilities for grooms to provide top standard care and over 500 world class and beautifully designed stables available for visiting competitors.
Within the impressive complex, there is a shopping village, full entertainment program, refreshments and buzzing areas all of which are available for everyone in the family to enjoy, and tickets allowing the perfect view of the action under covered grandstands as the 2022 LGCT Championship battle gallops towards the final legs.
My vision is clear. Only the best for the best.