Who Will Master the Madrid LGCT Grand Prix?
So far, German riders have claimed victory in the first three LGCT Grand Prix events of the season. Will the Germans secure another LGCT Grand Prix win, or will a different nation step up and seize the title?
A total of 40 pairs have qualified for the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix at Club de Campo in Madrid. Although the competition is taking place on Spanish territory, the favorite to win today hails from France.
Simon Delestre has been on a winning streak this weekend, already securing two victories in Madrid. He claimed the top spot on the 10-year-old I. Amelusina R52 in the Copa del Rey on Saturday, but the focus today is on his partnership with Cayman Jolly Jumper (770). The 11-year-old gelding entered the competition as the highest-rated horse in the field and lived up to expectations by winning Friday's qualifying event. The EquiRatings Prediction Centre gives the French pair a 13% chance of victory today. They have placed in the last three CSI5* Grand Prix events they've participated in but have yet to achieve an LGCT Grand Prix win. Could Madrid be the scene of their breakthrough?
We must not overlook Maikel van der Vleuten and Beauville Z N.O.P. (668), however. The Dutch duo has been in excellent form in the last two LGCT Grand Prix events this season. After finishing third in Miami Beach, they went on to place sixth in Mexico City's Grand Prix on grass. Today, on similar turf, Maikel and Beauville Z N.O.P. have a predicted 12% chance of winning.
Fresh off their impressive performance at last month's World Cup Finals in Omaha, Andreas Shou and Darc de Lux (752) are given a 9% chance of winning the Grand Prix this afternoon. This marks their first five-star appearance since finishing in the Top 5 in Omaha, and they are eager to demonstrate their continued prowess.
Christian Kukuk has the best odds of securing another German LGCT Grand Prix victory this season, with an 8% chance of winning on Mumbai (743). Belgium’s Nicola Philippaerts and Katanga v/h Dingeshof (736) are predicted to have a 6% chance of victory.
The Spanish audience will undoubtedly rally behind Eduardo Alvarez Aznar and Bentley de Sury (710), who are given a 3% chance of winning.
Click here to see the EquiRatings Jumping Prediction Centre for the LGCT Grand Prix of Madrid.