STATEMENT LGCT OF DOHA 2021

The FEI, having consulted with world-leading epidemiologists and subject to ongoing stringent biosecurity protocols and the implementation of a series of mandatory conditions, has agreed for the Longines Global Champions Tour of Doha 2021 to go ahead from 4-6 March. 

The FEI decision means the event will commence tomorrow with the first international 5* competitions, including Round 1 of the GCL team competition. 

In close co-operation with the FEI, the on site veterinary team and the local Ministry of Public Health vets, the exceptional facilities at AL SHAQAB have enabled rigorous testing of all horses for EHV-1 (neurological form) with all horses able to be tested in a 24-hour period.

As soon as we were officially informed by the FEI that four horses who had been competing at Valencia were here in Doha, those four horses were immediately placed in isolation and tested and all four results came back negative.  Subsequently one horse tested positive and a second horse returned an inconclusive result and will continue to be retested. Both horses were immediately moved to the isolation unit of the neighbouring veterinary clinic.

All other horses at AL SHAQAB have tested negative in the latest tests. A comprehensive range of strict biosecurity measures is in place and the  FEI has today issued a statement.

Our thoughts go to all equestrians at this worrying and distressing time and, especially, to the teams working in Valencia since the emergence of EHV-1 (neurological form).​