Longines Global Champions Tour: Antwerp - A new BMW for Zanotelli

Source: News Release

A new BMW for Zanotelli

(Photo: Stefano Grasso/LGCT)

Marlon Zanotelli (BRA) gets to take home a brand new BMW after winning tonight’s feature class, the BMW Masters, riding Fons van T Geyzeven. The Brazilian fought off some big names to claim his gorgeous automobile prize in a close contest which took place before a packed VIP and Hospitality area.

Ten horse and rider combinations were invited to take part in this special feature class of the day. The only rider to be eliminated for lowering a fence in the first round was Angelica Augustsson (SWE) and Feldrose. All nine remaining riders jumped clear in the second round, but round three saw the elimination of Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) and Eiken Sato (JPN). The fourth round saw World Number Two Ben Maher (GBR) eliminated and Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) fall by the wayside after his horse refused a large oxer. Gregory Wathelet (BEL) also lowered fence number one, putting him out of contention.

Five riders went through to round five against the clock. First to go, Olympic Champion Steve Guerdat (SUI) had four faults, but put in a fast time. Marlon Zanotelli followed with a fast clear, putting what turned out to be too much pressure on the star riders to follow. 2014 World Cup Final winner Daniel Deusser (GER) cut in tight to the final line of fences and had an unfortunate refusal. Last to go, Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) took the same line to the last related distance as Daniel Deusser and had the first part down.

Under the spotlights at the stunning dockside arena, thrilled winner Marlon, a huge smile on his face, took a spin in his sleek new BMW to warm applause from the audience. Tomorrow’s program of classes will be packed with even more excitement as the main event - the Longines Global Champions Tour of Antwerp Grand Prix gets underway at 6.30pm (local time). Watch this world-class, talent-packed class live and for free on GCT TV.

Pénélope wins again!

(Photo: Stefano Grasso/LGCT)

Pénélope Leprevost has claimed another fantastic French win at Longines Global Champions Tour of Antwerp, taking the CSI5* 1.50/55m, sponsored by Loewe, riding Vagabond de la Pomme. In second place was Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (SWE) riding Unita ASK and in third, Luciana Diniz (POR) riding Lacontino.

The course was tricky and technical, faults claimed many top names from the 46-strong start list. The errors were not localised to any particular obstacle, but spread about Luc Musette’s (BEL) twisty course. Just six made it through to the jump-off, where Marcus Ehning (GER) and Sabrina boldly set out to make the pace only to lower a single rail. Kevin Staut (FRA) also had four faults before Pénélope took the lead with a clear from the middle of the draw. McLain Ward (USA) set out to catch her time be he also had four faults. Rolf-Göran Bengtsson opted for a careful clean round to take second place, while Luciana Diniz was a close third also jumping a smooth clear.

With the feature class of the show to come tomorrow night, France’s leading lady is looking hard to beat. Pénélope is sure to go into the Grand Prix favourite, but with such an array of show jumping talent in attendance it’s hard to pick a potential winner.

Thousands of VIPS enjoy Antwerp’s fabulous first day

(Photos: Stefano Grasso/LGCT)

From a spectacular vantage point overlooking the beautiful arena, majestic dock cranes and River Sheldt, the hospitality area welcomed representatives from key sponsors, including BMW, Loewe, Merit Capital and Taittinger, as well as the usual glamorous show jumping crowd which follow the Longines Global Champions Tour.

While sipping champagne, the guests enjoyed a thrilling afternoon victory for national rider and rising star Constant van Paesschen in the first CSI5* class a fine display of horsemanship from France’s leading lady rider Pénélope Leprevost, who won the feature class of the evening.

Antwerp is enjoying its first year as a member of the prestigious LGCT. The ‘diamond city’ of Antwerp, famous for it’s diamond district, historic port and legendary fashion scene, has proven itself to be a fitting addition to the 2014 calendar. The elegance and style of the event will continue this evening with the feature class - the BMW Masters - where the winner can claim a BMW car.

Leprevost wins Thursday night's big class in Antwerp

(Photo: Stefano Grasso/LGCT)

This evening's CSI5* 1.50/55m class was won in fine style by Pénélope Leprevost (FRA) and Nayana, following a highly competitive jump-off featuring the cream of international show jumping. Runner-up was Marc Houtzager (NED) and Sterrehof's Uppity and in third place, Pieter Devos (BEL) with Dreams of India Greenfield.

The first round was another star-studded affair with many top horses once again having their first trip in an outdoor arena this season. Luc Musette's (BEL) course contained some tricky distances and the packed VIP enjoyed a fine display of horsemanship from the world-class line-up.

The jump-off was fast and furious with Pieter Devos setting the early pace. Shane Breen (IRE) came close to beating the Belgian, but it was Pénélope Leprevost (FRA) that cut just under three seconds off Devos' time from the middle of the draw. Marc Houtzager (NED) did his best to catch Leprevost from the prime spot of last to go in the draw, but when the clock stopped he finished two seconds shy of her deceptively swift pace.

Home rider wins the first CSI5* class in Antwerp

(Photo: Stefano Grasso/LGCT)

The first CSI5* class of the Longines Global Champions Tour 2014 season was won by Belgium’s own Constant van Paesschen and his new mount Citizenguard Million Dreams, who scorched around the arena to take the class by 2.5 seconds from Britain’s Joe Clee (Fento Chin S) in second place and Italy's Luca Moneta (Jimy) in third.

The inviting course, built by Luc Musette (BEL), attracted 18 clears from the 49 starters. A few tricky distances caught out one or two unlucky riders, but overall the track presented an excellent introduction to the new outdoor season for horses and riders. The field was packed with Grand Prix horses having their first outing at round one of the 2014 Championship series with many looking primed for success in Saturday’s Grand Prix.

“It’s really nice to win here, it’s a lovely competition,” said Constant van Paesschen. “It was a nice course and well built, the difficulty for me was that I have a new horse and you never know how it is going to go. But the course wasn’t too technical. I rode my horse three times before and to win here was really great, especially with a new horse. The show is unbelievable and the river is a beautiful backdrop.”

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