Release date: 18/08/2021

As the 2021 Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL season races towards the final furlong, a star-studded lineup of the world’s top show jumpers can be revealed for the 10th leg of the series held at the beautiful Tops International Arena.

Hungry to regain her lead in the overall season Championship Edwina Tops-Alexander who sits 10 points behind Peder Fredricson will be hoping to take advantage of him not competing in the Championship this weekend.

This weekend will see knife-edge battles in the spectacular grass arena with motivation high to win the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Valkenswaard for one of the few remaining qualifying spots for the LGCT Super Grand Prix at the GC Prague Playoffs in November. Those in action this weekend and still hungry to qualify to include world number one Daniel Deusser, Marcus Ehning, Olivier Philippaerts, Kent Farrington, Harrie Smolders, Gregory Wathelet, Alberto Zorzi and Eric van der Vleuten.

Valkenswaard, The Netherlands, is the spiritual home of the Longines Global Champions Tour, and has always been a favourite with riders, owners and fans alike. For the 15th season of the world's premier show jumping series, the world-class, state-of-the-art Tops International Arena will host its second LGCT event of the year from 20 - 22 August. The superb facilities at the epicentre of equestrianism in Europe, were created by Founder and President Jan Tops and have raised the bar in equestrian sport to new heights.

There will be plenty of home heroes for local fans to cheer on, including 2018 LGCT Grand Prix of Valkenswaard winner Frank Schuttert, Marc Houtzager, Leopold van Asten, Jur Vrieling, Bart Bles as well as Johnny Pals.

Other big names this weekend include qualifiers Jos Verlooy, Gregory Wathelet, Max Kuhner, Christian Ahlmann, Eduardo Alvarez Aznar, Marlon Zanotelli, Georgina Bloomberg and Spencer Smith.

Designed with the horse as the top priority, the showground features a exceptional arenas featuring top-class footing, world-class wash areas and facilities for grooms to provide top standard care and over 500 beautifully designed stables available for visiting competitors.

Within the impressive complex, there is a shopping village, refreshments and entertainment areas - all of which are available for everyone in the family to enjoy, and tickets allowing the perfect view of the action under covered grandstands as the 2021 LGCT Championship battle gallops towards the final quarter.