Spectacular New London Venue for 2014 GCT

The Longines Global Champions Tour can announce a spectacular new venue at historic Horse Guards Parade Ground next summer.

The world’s leading show jumping series will return to London at the new location of Horse Guards Parade Ground from 14-16 August 2014 when spectators will see the best riders competing for the highest prize money in the sport. 

The BBC will be broadcasting live on two consecutive days of the event and the public will be able to watch the stars of the sport from ticketed grandstand seats and on a free big screen in beautiful St James’s Park, the oldest of London’s eight Royal Parks.

Horse Guards Parade Ground will be one of the most stunning venues for a top-level equestrian sports event. The site has been used for parades, pageants and ceremonies since the 17th century and is world famous for the Trooping The Colour on the Queen’s Birthday Parade. This unique venue will bring sport to the heart of the capital.

The Longines Global Champions Tour debut in London this year was watched live by almost one million people on the BBC and by another million show jumping fans worldwide on Eurosport. British Olympic team gold medallists Nick Skelton and Ben Maher battled for Grand Prix honours in one of the most exciting jump-offs in the sport's history.

There was a strong performance from the British riders this season, with Scott Brash winning the overall Championship and the final Grand Prix at the the last event of the series in Qatar. Michael Whitaker won the opening 2013 leg in Madrid and William Funnell claimed second place in both the Monte-Carlo and Cannes Grand Prix.  

The flagship London leg of the Tour will have a strong connection to the military history of the site, with a special mounted display by the Household Cavalry and tickets for members of the Cavalry and their families. The event will also showcase some of the best of British brands to an international audience in the smart retail village on the showground.

Jan Tops, President of the Longines Global Champions Tour, said: “London is one of the world’s great capital cities and I am delighted to bring the world’s best riders to this unique site at Horse Guards Parade Ground. It is a privilege to stage the London event at this famous and iconic location. Spectators will be able to watch the best riders in the world up close, and we want to welcome people who are fans of show jumping and those who are new to the sport. I am sure this will be a great flagship event in the 2014 championship series.”