Wednesday 29 November 2017

 

 

Seven of the world’s top 10 Showjumpers will take to the Olympia Grand Hall as top-class sporting action returns to Olympia, The London International Horse Show.

Europe’s most renowned riders, including seven former world number 1s, will take centre stage over five days of unmissable CSI5*-W competition from Thursday 14 – Monday 18 December 2017.

Home heroes Scott Brash and Ben Maher, winner and runner-up in the 2016 Longines FEI World Cup™ Leg, are both returning. British hopes will be buoyed by crowd favourites John and Michael Whitaker, seeking to add to their extensive tally of Olympia victories.

Britain’s leading lady Laura Renwick and Guy Williams, both known for their speed against the clock, are sure to give the London fans something to cheer about, while the US-based Amanda Derbyshire, who has represented Great Britain on several occasions this year, will be looking to make her mark at her Show debut.

The international contingent is certain to put up a strong challenge against their British counterparts. Reigning Olympia Grand Prix Champion Daniel Deusser (GER) will return, alongside compatriots Christian Ahlmann and Marcus Ehning, both regular winners on the CSI5* circuit.

France, reigning Olympic Team Champions, send a strong group of riders, including world number three Kevin Staut and former world number one Simon Delestre, as do Belgium, led by 2017 Aachen Grand Prix winner Gregory Wathelet and the always competitive twin brothers, Olivier and Nicola Philippaerts.

Fresh from being crowned Longines Global Champions Tour Champion of 2017, Dutchman Harrie Smolders will be looking to start as he ended the 2016 show, which saw him cruise to victory in the H&M Ivy Stakes on the final day. Compatriot Maikel van de Vleuten, current world number five and recent winner of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Leg in Verona joins the starters seeking to add to their current tally of Longines FEI World Cup™ points in a bid to qualify for the Final next April.

World number four, Italy’s Lorenzo de Luca and fellow countryman, the notoriously speedy Emanuele Gaudiano, are sure to feature amongst the top of the leaderboards, as are 2016 Individual Olympic Silver medalist Peder Fredricson and double Longines FEI World Cup™ Final winner and 2012 Olympic Champion, Steve Guerdat.

Show Director, Simon Brooks-Ward commented: “We’ve got a stellar line-up of competitors at Olympia this year, making for an exciting week of action. It’s great to be able to provide the fans with an opportunity to see the world’s best compete on British soil and with so much going on throughout the week, 2017 is set to be a fantastic event.”

For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.olympiahorseshow.com.

Photo caption: Last year's Longines FEI World Cup™ winner Scott Brash

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