Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – November 20, 2024 – Competition was officially underway last Wednesday at the GC Riyadh Playoffs . The first 5* individual 1.45m class presented by the €40,000 Ministry of Sport Prize CSI 5* saw the world’s top riders go head-to-head for the first time under the floodlights in Riyadh. Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) claimed the top spot in the opening class aboard Nikolaj de Music.

Gaudiano looked to be on the hunt for a win as he set off on the 11-year-old stallion, looking to better Victor Bettendorf’s lightning-fast time of 58.32 seconds.

The pair made it look easy as they flew across the finish line, securing first place. “Nikolaj is a quick horse. I am very happy about the win, he jumped good today,” said Gaudiano. Going on to say, “for a win I knew I had to give everything, and he was fast enough.”

Luxembourg’s Victor Bettendorf (LUX) took second place aboard the fast and fiery Cancun Torel Z. The pair raced across the course, but in the end had to settle for second place when Gaudiano came home just 0.61 seconds quicker.

Third place went to Julien Epaillard (FRA) and Donatello d’Auge. The French rider rode full gas across the course but could not quite match Gaudiano’s unbeatable time. 

Michael Pender (IRL) took fourth place. Pender and HH Cyprus made quick work of the course, coming home clear in just 60.28 seconds to secure fourth. Rounding out the top five was Belgium’s Jérôme Guery riding Careca LS Elite. Guery expertly navigated the course aboard the 13-year-old gelding, earning the pair a top five finish in this opening class. 

Final Results – €40,000 Ministry of Sport Prize CSI 5*

1) Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) & Nikolaj de Music – 0 – 57.71

2) Victor Bettendorf (LUX) & Cancun Torel Z – 0 – 58.32

3) Julien Épaillard (FRA) & Donatello d’Auge – 0 – 59.34

Source: Press Release from LGCT – Longines Global Champions Tour

Photos: © LGCT / Stefano Grasso

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