Scott Brash triumphs in London GCT thriller

Scott Brash and Hello Sanctos jumped a sensational triple clear in front of the home crowd in London to win the Longines Global Champions Tour grand prix and pocket a cool €148,500.

“I feel like the luckiest person right now,” said Scott, 28, who heads to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in France as part of the Great Britain team at the start of September.

Last year, it was his British team-mate Ben Maher and Cella who triumphed in the inaugural London GCT at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, in one of the greatest jump-offs of the series. This year, it was Scott who soared round 5sec faster than Ludger Beerbaum and Zinedine, demoting the legendary German rider to the runner-up spot.

“Jumping in front of our home crowd gives us all a real lift,” added Scott, who received a standing ovation and rapturous applaud from the packed grandstands in the Horse Guards Parade Ground in central London.

Taking third was Dutchman Maikel Van Der Vleuten riding VDL Groep Verdi who faulted against the clock with last-drawn rider Katherine Dinan of USA unfortunately hitting the deck when her horse refused at the double in this four-rider jump-off.

Don’t miss the six-page special report with all the action from the London leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour, analysis and verdict on this new venue in next week’s Horse & Hound, out Thursday 21 August.

Jennifer Donald

H&H showjumping editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.