Global Champions Tour to Kick Off in Doha Tomorrow

Doha, April 04 (QNA) - The first leg of the 2012 Global Champions Tour (GCT) is set to kick off in Doha tomorrow at the outdoor arena of the Qatar Equestrian Federation. The world s best riders and horses will be seen in action during the three-day event which promises to be a magnificent show. The GCT brings together the key aspects of show jumping, the top world riders, the best horses, the highest prize money, unique locations, venues and facilities to provide the most formidable global show jumping series. GCT offers the richest prize money in the sport of show jumping and all important ranking points, which are accumulated throughout the 2012 season leading up to the crowning of the overall champion. With 13 events this year, the biggest GCT calendar to date, there are no fewer than four exciting new destinations, Shanghai, Vienna, Wiesbaden and Lausanne. A total purse of Euros 650,000 is on offer to winners of the first leg in Doha with an overall prize money of Euros eight million at stake for the GCT this year. Reigning 2011 GCT champion and world s leading female rider Edwina Tops-Alexander will begin the battle to hold on to the title starting in Doha. And leading Qatari riders, including Sheikh Ali Al Thani, will also be competing again this year with enthusiastic support from the home crowd. Last year Brazilian rider Alvaro de Miranda claimed victory in Doha with a lightning quick round on his star horse Drossel Dan. The GCT is recognised as an official series by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) and many of its riders will also be representing their countries in the forthcoming 2012 London Olympics. GCT has been a proud partner with Qatar since 2008 and this year event facilities for spectators will include refreshment areas, commercial stands and grandstands for watching all the sporting action. After Doha, the Global Champions Tour moves to the Oliva Nova Beach and Golf Resort, Spain from May 4 to 6. (QNA)