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International Jumping Riders Club
Exciting international rider list announced for Cascais, Estoril ( 10th-12th July 2014)
1 July - In just over a week, the gorgeous Portuguese coastal town of Cascais, Estoril will once again welcome a stunning line-up of international riders for the ninth consecutive year. The charming Manuel Possolo Hippodrome will host many of the very best riders in the world, including World No1, 2013 LGCT Champion and 2014 LGCT Cannes Grand Prix winner Scott Brash (GBR), LGCT Ranking Leader Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS), and rising Qatari star and 2014 LGCT Monaco Grand Prix winner Bassem Hassan Mohammed. And entrance to this event is free!
The Longines Global Champions Tour of Cascais, Estoril Grand Prix will see a new victor rise to the top of the podium this year as defending champion Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) will not be competing. The cocktail of talent fighting for the top prize will be a potent one - 2012 Olympic Champion Steve Guerdat (SUI), 2013 European Champion Roger-Yves Bost (FRA), World No2 Ben Maher (GBR), multi-medal-winning Marcus Ehning (GER), reigning German Champion Daniel Deusser, reigning Dutch Champion Maikel van der Vleuten, as well as British stars John Whitaker and 2012 Olympic Gold medallist Nick Skelton.
Top Portuguese rider Luciana Diniz, currently lying 6th on the Championship Ranking, will be hoping to go two better this time after finishing in Bronze medal position last year with the fastest time but an unlucky four faults in the jump-off. Portugual will be well-represented with Marina Frutuoso de Melo and Luís Sabino Gonçalves also competing. The Championship race is reaching boiling point as the riders currently placed 2nd-5th - Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (SWE), Bassem Hassan Mohammed, Kevin Staut (FRA) and Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) - are all within 40 points of the taking the lead.
The next two Grand Prix - LGCT Paris Eiffel Jumping Grand Prix, the halfway stage of the 2014 Championship, and Cascais, Estoril - will both be pivotal contests where those at the top of the leaderboard must perform at their very best to maintain their positions as we approach the home straight. Watch the Grand Prix live from Paris on Saturday from 17.30pm local time on GCT TV, Equidia Life, ClassHorseTV and on Eurosport from 20.30pm. The Grand Prix of Cascais, Estoril will be live on Saturday 12th July from 19.30pm local time on GCT TV, Equidia Life and ClassHorseTV.