World No.1 Scott Brash crowned Champion of Champions in Doha this evening
Saturday 15 November 2014
For the second year running World No.1 Scott Brash from Peebleshire was crowned Champion of Champions in Doha this evening at the Al Shaqab stadium as the 2014 Longines Global Champions Tour came to a close.
The stadium, arguably one of the most spectacular venues in the world, saw many of the world’s leading riders battling it out for the incredible €1.7 million on offer including the record €1million end of season bonus.
Starting this final leg and Grand Prix of the series in 3rd place on the league table it was pivotal that he finished in the top five if he was to retain his title; and yet again Scott didn’t disappoint. Riding Hello Sanctos, the bay gelding owned by Lady Kirkham and Lord & Lady Harris with whom he won Team Gold at the London 2012 Olympics, they put in two magical rounds leaving all the fences untouched. An extremely unlucky time penalty was accrued in the first round when they stopped the clock just a fraction of a second slower than the time allowed however their second round made the course, which had been referred to as being of an Olympic standard, look easy and saw them return home on zero penalties.
With only three riders managing to jump double clear and qualify for a third and final jump off, it was clear that Scott would finish in 4th place and he was duly announced the 2014 Champion of Champions before the Grand Prix was even finished. The competition this evening had been a hard fought one which had seen Ludger Beerbaum (GER) slide down the ranking list from their pole position having had four fences down in the first round. Rolf-Goran Bengtsson (SWE) despite taking 1st place in the Grand Prix this evening retained his 2nd place on the league table.
Talking afterwards, Scott praised Hello Sanctos who tops the FEI Horse Jumping list by saying “He is a once in a lifetime horse and he really deserves to be the World No.1 horse. My owners are here and they will be excited with his win. He has been fantastic. I took him too slow in the first round, but he jumped brilliant in both. It’s a great feeling”.
For the full story and further information please visit http://www.globalchampionstour.com/news/2014/1200/world-no1-scott-brash-narrowly-retains-his-championship-title-in-a-spectacular-finale/
14kvaj7pl3106.jpg "Jonathan Egmore and Mollie Rose Smith are winners in the Equissage Pulse British Novice Second Rounds.")
11dtw0hmsttk0.jpg "NAF Five Star Bronze and Silver League Qualifiers get underway at Speetley Equestrian Centre")
