Via: LGCT
It's set to be an exciting leg of the championship circuit as they head to Paris where six of the ten top ranking riders in the world will compete in the Longines Global Champions Tour - Longines Paris Eiffel Jumping, set against the backdrop of the stunning Eiffel Tower.
This will be the second year of the iconic show, and has attracted a stellar line-up of world-class international riders and their finest horses, headed up by World No1 Scott Brash (GBR) who brings the famous Hello Sanctos to the city centre, and his 2012 Olympic Gold medal teammate Ben Maher (GBR) who will be riding his beautiful grey Cella and Sarena.
The show will welcome Tour ranking leader Luciana Diniz (POR) who is having a sensational season with her horses, and with Fit For Fun 13 and Lennox in attendance this weekend, all eyes will be on the battle for the top spot as she looks to extend her lead over second place man, Scott.
Luciana currently holds 181 points in total, however Scott is squeezing the gap to the lead and, following his win in Monaco, has closed the distance to just 36 points difference meaning there's everything to play for in the battle for the lead at this upcoming Grand Prix.
Sweden’s Rolf-Goran Bengtsson has put in consistently good performances in nearly every Grand Prix so far, landing him in third place in the ranking, and will be looking to be on the podium once more with his bay stallion Casall Ask.
Last year's winner Kevin Staut (FRA) will be hoping to repeat his spectacular and emotional win of the 2014 Grand Prix in front of the packed grandstands, and the action will be sure to hot up as Pénélope Leprevost brings Nice Stephanie - a combination who won this year's Longines Global Champions Tour of Cannes - and will be looking to do the double and take home the title.
With a total of eight French show jumpers competing, France's best riders will be on show and hoping to provide a successful weekend in the heart of their home country. The battle to claim the pride of France will be intense as the French riders compete to earn the top spot amongst their compatriots, as well as bringing home the prestigious Grand Prix title.
The German legends are also out in force and will be looking to ensure their place at the top of the score sheets, with Daniel Deusser (GER), Ludger Beerbaum (GER), Hans-Dieter Dreher (GER), Christian Ahlmann (GER) and Marcus Ehning (GER) all in attendance and hoping to move up the ranking leader board.
This crucial Grand Prix, which marks the halfway point of the Tour, is looking set to be a thrilling battle as the top riders from around the world contend for the prestige of winning the iconic Longines Global Champions Tour - Longines Paris Eiffel Jumping and a share of the 320,000euros prize. With a different layout, and larger shopping and entertainment area for visitors, there will be something for everyone during the eighth leg of the championship Tour.
For a full list of competitors, please click here.
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