LGCT Play Offs Preview: Battle for Glory in Riyadh

GCL Super Cup: Team Dynamics Take Center Stage

The quarter-finals have already delivered drama, with two heavyweight teams - Monaco Aces and Madrid in Motion - making early exits. This means the loss of star combinations like Maikel van der Vleuten and Eduardo Alvarez Aznar's Rokfeller de Pleville Bois Margot from the team competition.

The Shanghai Swans emerged as early favorites after a commanding performance with zero penalties in the quarter-finals, featuring an impressive lineup including Point Break, Killer Queen VDM, and Electric Blue P. However, their substitution of Max Kühner with Christian Ahlmann on Mandato van de Neerheide for the semi-finals could impact their chances.

The Cannes Stars, powered by the Iron Dames, enter as series winners with impressive consistency. Their strength lies in their tight rating range, led by Sophie Hinners' Iron Dames Singclair (731) and supported by solid performances across the team.

Stockholm Hearts bring two of the highest-rated horses to the competition - Donatello d’Auge (Julian Epaillard) and H&M Indiana (Malin Baryard-Johnsson), both rated above 760. However, their significant rating range could prove challenging in a format where all scores count.

LGCT Super Grand Prix: Individual Glory at Stake

Friday's Super Grand Prix features 15 of the world's best combinations vying for individual honors. Key contenders include:

• Christian Kukuk with Olympic champion Checker 47, who showed form with a strong performance in yesterday's individual class.
• Victor Bettendorf and the remarkable Foxy de la Roque, who have won three of their four 5* Grand Prix starts
• Max Kühner and Electric Blue P, who have demonstrated exceptional consistency with nine clear rounds from 13 starts at five-star 160 in 2024
• Eduardo Alvarez Aznar's veteran 19-year-old Rokfeller de Pleville Bois Margot, fresh off a historic win in Rabat
• Gilles Thomas with the promising 10-year-old Olympic star Ermitage Kalone

The course is expected to be demanding, with predictions of no more than two double clear rounds in what promises to be a thrilling competition.

The Belgian Contingent

The Belgian contingent makes a particularly strong showing in the Super Grand Prix with six riders qualified - a testament to the nation's current strength in showjumping. Among them, the battle between young horses will be particularly interesting, with Gilles Thomas on Ermitage Kalone facing off against Thibeau Spits' nine-year-old Impress-K van ‘t Kattenheye.

The stage is set for an exciting weekend of showjumping, with both team and individual glory hanging in the balance. Whether the established combinations will prevail or new stars will emerge remains to be seen, but the sport's finest will undoubtedly deliver spectacular competition in Riyadh.