British Legends Lead the Charge
In a stage soaked in tradition, hometown heroes headline the bill. Scott Brash, three-time LGCT Grand Prix of London winner, rides in with Hello Chadora Lady, eyeing yet another home triumph. Fellow Brit Ben Maher looks equally potent with Point Break, bringing both form and fervor to the Chelsea turf. Defending London winner Harry Charles returns, aiming to electrify local fans once more.
The international firepower is no less formidable. Pieter Devos, champion here in 2022, saddles the dynamic Casual DV Z, while Gregory Wathelet and Peder Fredricson, past titleholders in 2020 and 2021 respectively, add their pedigree to an already sizzling line-up.
Whitakers & the British Youth Wave
The legendary Whitaker family is out in full force. Jack Whitaker partners with Valmy de la Lande, while John Whitaker makes a special appearance at 70 aboard Unick du Francport. Robert Whitaker completes the trio with Vermento, promising a full-force British show.
Young domestic talent adds to the buzz. Lilly Attwood teams up with Johnnie Walker, and Rob Murphy rides Balou de Revel into the ring. Rising star Sienna Charles brings elegance and composure on Stardust, proving that the future of British show jumping is already here.
Spotlight: Global Young Guns
Next-gen international riders also take center stage. Max Wachman returns with veteran partner Kilkenny, and Yali Kass continues his breakthrough year on Luna van’t Ruytershof Z. Their poise under pressure signals a promising shake-up in the rankings.
Contenders from Monaco to Chelsea
Fresh from his LGCT Grand Prix win in Paris, Gilles Thomas pairs up with Luna van het Dennehof again, while Simon Delestre, recent victor of the €1.5 million Monaco Grand Prix, saddles the electric Dexter Fontenis Z. Germany’s Daniel Deusser and Killer Queen VDM, along with Marcus Ehning aboard Coolio 42, continue their championship charge.
Expect fireworks from Christian Kukuk, who brings both Checker 47 and Just Be Gentle to London after a strong 2024 performance. Maximilian Weishaupt arrives fresh off a Monaco fourth-place finish with the mighty Zuccero HV.
GCL Mid-Season Transfers Reshape the Landscape
The GCL storyline intensifies in London, where mid-season transfer moves debut under the spotlight. Peder Fredricson, now paired with Colonello, rejoins the London fray alongside compatriot Petronella Andersson on Olympke van ’t Merelsnest.
Female powerhouse riders bring serious fire. Kim Emmen lines up with Imagine N.O.P., Malin Baryard-Johnsson rides the seasoned H&M Indiana, and Katharina Rhomberg enters with both Colestus Cambridge and Cuma 5. These changes could tilt team standings heading into the business end of the season.
Keep an eye on Zascha Nygaard Lill with Charino PS and Andreas Schou aboard Darc de Lux, both with past GCL podium finishes. Katrin Eckermann, ever a threat with Chao Lee, and Henrik von Eckermann, riding Calizi and Iliana, round off a lineup brimming with elite combinations.
Where History Meets High Stakes
Against the historic backdrop of London’s Royal Hospital Chelsea, this leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour promises pageantry and pressure in equal measure. From returning legends to breakthrough stars, and game-changing GCL moves, the stage is set for a defining act in the 2025 championship.
Don’t miss daily coverage, live results, and behind-the-scenes insights on RaceBuzz. For full event info and tickets, visit the official Longines Global Champions Tour website.
