#TBT Miami Memories: Reminiscing Past LGCT Grand Prix Champions
As equestrian enthusiasts gather in anticipation for the second leg of this year’s Longines Global Champions Tour in Miami Beach, the electric atmosphere is palpable. We delve into the highlights of past editions, with a special focus on last year's exhilarating competition.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of sun, sand, and surf, this exceptional event offers a unique twist to the world of showjumping. The prestigious Global Champions Tour had already captivated audiences worldwide before it introduced a new and exciting chapter in 2015, when the elite equestrian event made its inaugural appearance on the sands of Miami Beach.
That first edition brought some of the greatest horse-and-rider combinations together as the 2015 LGCT Grand Prix of Miami Beach had an Elo field strength of 715, the highest Elo field strength in a LGCT Grand Prix in Miami Beach since. Scott Brash and HELLO SANCTOS unsurprisingly took the win coming in as the highest-rated combination of the field.
Although there have only been six editions of this event, Edwina Tops-Alexander has already managed to claim the Grand Prix victory in Miami Beach on two separate occasions. In 2016, Australia’s leading lady counted on LINTEA TEQUILA, who entered the competition on an Elo of 697, to beat out a field with an average Elo strength of 707 to take home the win. Two years later, Edwina came back to Miami in flying form to repeat that performance, this time in the saddle of CALIFORNIA.
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After a three-year break due to Covid-19, the LGCT returned to Miami Beach last year. The 2022 LGCT Grand Prix of Miami Beach had an Elo field strength of 696. Despite the lower field strength, it still made for thrilling sport with a surprising finish. At just nine years old, CALA MANDIA made her 160 Grand Prix debut at five-star level under Katrin Eckermann. It was a debut to remember as the pair soared to victory under the Floridian sun.
Looking at this year’s list of competitors, Malin Baryard-Johnsson’s H&M INDIANA (774) comes in as the highest-rated horse in the field. This combination was an integral part of the Swedish team that won gold at both the Olympic Games in Tokyo and the Jumping World Championships in Herning last summer. They have also already proven they know how to perform in the unique setting of Miami Beach, as the pair finished on the podium in the 2019 Grand Prix.
We also see two former LGCT Miami Beach Grand Prix winners on this year’s list of competitors. Last year’s winners Katrin Eckermann and the now ten-year-old Cala Mandia are set to make their return to Miami Beach. We will also see the 2019 winners come back this year. Pieter Devos and CLAIRE Z won the LGCT Grand Prix in Miami four years ago.