Al Shaqab to host spectacular LGCT and GCL 2021 season opener

Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation, will once again host the opening competition of the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) and Global Champions League (GCL) team series.

The latest edition of the world’s premier five-star showjumping competition will bring together the best riders and horses in their quest for individual and team glory from March 4-6, 2021, under the stunning and iconic architecture of the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, setting the scene for an electrifying weekend of equestrian sport.

There will be 16 events worldwide on the LGCT and GCL calendar next year, starting with the championship season opener in Doha, and finishing with the Finals in New York, in September, before the ultimate showdown at the Global Champions Prague Playoffs in November.

The kick-off event in Doha will see the maiden LGCT Grand Prix of the year, where riders will look to be the first to book their Golden Ticket to the Prague Playoffs. The GCL teams will go into battle over two rounds, armed with new strategies to take them to victory in 2021.

Khalifa Al Attiya, Executive Director, Al Shaqab, said: “Since 2013, Al Shaqab has been a proud host of the Longines Global Champions Tour. The Arab world has a very rich equestrian heritage and, through events such as this, Al Shaqab preserves and perpetuates an important aspect of Qatari tradition and culture. Al Shaqab’s hosting of such an internationally renowned championship bears testament to Qatar’s position as a global sporting destination.

“The Longines Arena at Al Shaqab will provide the perfect backdrop for the world’s leading equestrian athletes and horses to kick off what promises to be a thrilling championship, as they compete for one of the most coveted titles in the world of showjumping.”

Jan Tops, President of LGCT and GCL, said: “We are pleased to announce our dates for 2021 and look forward to a new season with confidence and excitement, but also with humility. I know all our stakeholders and especially our loyal fans are looking forward to a fresh start with a new season after such a difficult year for everyone due to the global pandemic.

“We are working closely with our host cities and organizing partners to deliver a welcome return to top-level showjumping with robust health and safety protocols. I would like to thank everyone for their continued support including our sponsors and team owners."

In view of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Public Health’s precautionary measures will be strictly enforced to ensure the safety and well-being of participants, equestrian fans, and all who are involved with the event.

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