Doha, Qatar – March 02, 2023 – The first day of the 2023 Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) season kicked off in spectacular style with 53 riders from 19 different countries taking to Al Shaqab’s incredible Longines Arena. Competition is fierce and spectators were treated to a thrilling display of sport and horsemanship throughout the day.

The CSI 5* 1.45m speed class saw a collection of blistering times as riders fought it out for top podium position. Ultimately taking the win Francisco José Mesquita Musa (BRA) aboard Carte de Blue PS Marathon posted a time of 55.62 seconds.

The Brazilian and the 11-year-old chestnut Oldenburg gelding (Cartoon x Chacco-Blue) was 2.41 seconds ahead of Emanuele Gaudiano (BRA) and Crack Balou.

Rounding out the podium in third place was young talent Lily Attwood (GBR) with her Karibou Horta, just 0.08 seconds behind Gaudiano in second.

Speaking of his win, Musa commented on his impressive partner in Carte de Blue PS Marathon: “I am really happy, he jumped amazing today. My horse is natural at faster… Emmanuel he was fast, and usually my horse makes the same strides in the lines as him, but today my horse was a little bit faster.”

Kicking off the season in style, Lily Attwood (GBR) commented on her first LGCT 5* podium finish this year: “It’s so exciting to be here in Doha, Al Shaqab is an incredible venue with brilliant facilities – it is a spectacular show to be part of. My horses are jumping fantastically, and I can’t wait for the GCL competition tomorrow”. 

With 17 horse and rider combinations leaving all rails standing around the flowing Ulliano Vezzani (ITA) built track, the pressure was on. Just over 10 seconds separated the top 10 riders, providing a masterclass on tactics and sportsmanship for spectators from many unique dining experiences and hospitality locations around the arena. 

The first round of the GCL team competition will begin at 3pm (local time) tomorrow, with all teams looking to secure a coveted podium position to grant themselves a head start for the 2023 season. Saturday will see the highly anticipated Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Doha kick off at 6pm, with riders vying for the win as well as the first golden ticket to the LGCT Super Grand Prix at the GC Prague Playoffs.

 With the new weekend format introduced in Doha, the 16-team strong starting grid are in the final stages of their preparations ahead of tomorrow’s competition.

 Join us for day 2 and 3 of the 2023 Longines Global Champions Tour of Doha, by tuning into GCTV

Final Results – €26,200 LGCT Speed Challenge CSI 5*

1) Francisco José Mesquita Musa (BRA) & Carte de Blue PS Marathon – 0 – 55.52

2) Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) & Crack Balou – 0 – 57.93

3) Lily Attwood (GBR) & Karibou Horta – 0 / 0 – 58.01

Source: Press Release (edited) from  CHI Al Shaqab

Photos: © LGCT / Stefano Grasso

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