An impressive six out of the world’s top ten riders, including two out of the top three, will be heading to the stunning Al Shaqab equestrian centre in Doha from November 3-5 for the Longines Global Champions Tour final.
Edwina Tops-Alexander will have the opportunity of securing a record third title, while Sweden’s Rolf-Goran Bengtsson will look to halt the Australian rider’s run with his first victory.
Following a season-long battle for valuable points, the Doha finale will decide the claimant of the overall Champion of Champions title.
Olympic athlete Bengtsson, who currently sits on a tally of 272 points, has come excruciatingly close, not once but twice before, after tying with the leader on points but losing on the number of Grand Prix wins.
Talking about her plans, two-time champion Tops-Alexander said, “My tactic is just to do my best and be on the podium. Although five points doesn’t sound like much with the drop off scores, it does work in favour of Rolf so I have to have a very good result on the day to win. But everything is possible and at the end of the day there is only one of us that can win and one of us to be second.”
The two in contention will be joined by the very best riders in the world, all vying for the top spot in the Grand Prix and the lion’s share of the €450,000 prize purse on offer. Additionally, the overall LGCT Ranking bonus prize fund of almost €1 million will be divided, with riders using the final in Doha as their last chance to change the order up and down the leaderboard.
Home heroes and members of the Qatar Olympic showjumping team – Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al-Thani, Bassem Hassan Mohammed and Ali Yousef al-Rumaihi – will compete in front of local fans and spectators, with the top Qatari riders looking for a strong result in the Grand Prix.
Former long term LGCT leader and current World Number 1 Christian Ahlmann (GER) will be back and ready to do battle in the final Grand Prix of the season. While the top German rider cannot knock Bengtsson or Tops-Alexander off the top spot, he will be looking for a strong result in order to defend his third position from those snapping at his heels below.
Compatriot and world No. 9 Marcus Ehning, who won in Madrid and Vienna this season, said: “I’m looking forward to Doha. It has been a very good GCT season for me, with two Grand Prix wins, and although I’m not in the fight for the Championship it’s going to be another amazing event and final.”  
Irish star Bertram Allen (IRL), who currently sits 4th in the table, spoke of his excitement ahead of the final.
“I can’t wait to get to Doha for the LGCT final. All year the Tour has been incredibly competitive, with the best riders and horses at every show creating the best show jumping. The final at Al Shaqab will be intense and I’m looking forward to competing.”
Other big names are world No. 2 Simon Delestre of France, German world No. 6 Daniel Deusser, Rio Olympic team gold medallist Kevin Staut of FRA and British world No. 10 Scott Brash.
Speaking about the incredible facilities at the magnificent Al Shaqab venue, Britain’s John Whitaker said, “I’m really looking forward to going to Al Shaqab in Doha for the GCT. As always with the Tour the facilities are first class which is important when you’re competing at the highest level with your top horses. The final will be really exciting so I’m looking forward to it.”
Al Shaqab was established as part of HH the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani’s vision and passion to preserve and perpetuate the Arabian horse in Qatar. It has since developed into a major international equestrian facility encompassing multiple equine disciplines.