Quatar shines in Doha season’s grand finale

The 2017 Longines Global Champions Tour final event took place in Doha on Saturday night, unfolding with a magical Hollywook ending in front of the Quatar Royal Famiy. It was a night of sporting jubilation, as Harrie Smolders, who made history by taking the title at the penultimate event in Rome, was officially crowned 2017 Champion. The Dutch rider did not fear any competition from Scott Brash, Eric Lamaze, Lorenzo De Luca, Gregory Wathelet, Kevin Staut, Peder Fredricson and Maikel van der Vleuten, all fighting for the final overall ranking podium.  The final event was thrilling in the immense floodlit arena of Al Shaquab in Qatar, as local hero Bassem Hassan Mohammed delivered an emotional home victory. Spectators of all ages held their breath as the home star, riding Gunder, demonstrated nerves of steel in the nine-strong jump off and swept home clear to win the final LGCT Grand Prix of the season. Bassem ended ahead of Switzerland’s Janika Sprunger on Bacardi VDL and Netherland’s Maikel van der Vleuten atop of Verdi (third place). With his 33 points, the Dutchman snatched the silver medal to Italy’s Lorenzo De Luca. The Azzurri rider, who was not featuring in the final event, was third in the LGCT overall rankings and was awarded with a well-deserved bronze medal to crown an extraordinary season, which saw him triumphing in Shanghai and Valkenswaard. Smolders had already ensured to be 2017 Champions of Champions thanks to a supreme performance all season against the best of the best in show jumping, on top of two superstar rides: Emerald TN NOP and Don VHP Z.