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Four-way battle for Doha Global Champions League final
Vinay Nayudu
Doha
While it's a four horse race to the finish in the final of the inaugural Global Champions League, the home team Doha Fursan Qatar will be looking to compete in front of home fans at the magnificent Al Shaqab equestrian centre on Thursday.
Twelve teams in the league are jostling for the top position in the rankings of what has been a phenomenal debut for the innovative new format. Two riders from each team take to show jumping in each leg.
Doha Fursan Qatar is likely to pitch Olympic rider Ali Yousef al Rumaihi and young talent Hamad al Attiyah for the season finale. The other members of the team include Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al Thani, Bassem Hassan Mohammed and Faleh al Ajami.
It's a four-way battle for the title and one of the teams will make history as the first ever winners of the Global Champions League and take home the lion's share of the €4.5 million prize-money.
Current leaders Valkenswaard United are in pole position with a total tally of 309.5 points. The combination of John Whitaker (GBR) and Bertram Allen (IRL) has proved formidable in the debut GCL season with an incredible three of the team's four wins (Miami Beach, Hamburg and Vienna).
Fierce rivals and looking to knock the closest big threat off the top spot are the Antwerp Diamonds with a combination of experience and youth.
Harrie Smolders (NED), an anchor for the team, will team up with protege Jos Verlooy (BEL). While Jos and Bertram are firm friends outside of the arena, the rivalry remains intense and it will be a high stakes battle in the final round.
Hot on their heels, and just 1.5 points behind in third, are the Monaco Aces, who are also in contention for the overall win.
Their riders Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) and Daniel Bluman (COL) have both competed at the Rio Olympics.
The Rome Gladiators, who currently hold 4th place overall, will unite 'Team Laura' once again with the Madrid GCL winning combination of Laura Kraut (USA) and Laura Renwick (GBR) competing in the final.
The Schedule
Thursday 5 pm: Global Champions League of Doha Championship Final, two rounds against the clock
Friday 6 pm: CSI5* 1.45m Two Phase (€25,000 prize money)
8 pm: CSI5* 1.45m Speed Class (€25,000 prize money)
Saturday 2 pm: CSI5* 1.50/1.55m Against the clock with jump-off (€270,000 prize money)
5:15 pm: Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Doha 1.60m two rounds against the clock with jump-off (€450,000 prize money).
Global Champions League Rankings
1. Valkenswaard United 309.50 pts
2. Antwerp Diamonds 301.00
3. Monaco Aces 299.50
4. Rome Gladiators 281.50
5. Cannes Stars 247.00
6. Paris Jets 242.50
7. Shanghai Swans 241.00
8. Cascais Charms 231.50
9. Doha Fursan Qatar 231.00
10. Madrid in Motion 230.00
11. Miami Glory 229.00
12. Vienna Eagles 224.50
