Ready for Riyadh? The competitors at this year’s Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ and FEI Dressage World Cup™ are. Following their qualification through twelve Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Leagues and Sub-Leagues spanning the globe, the world’s elite athletes will converge in the Saudi capital for the season’s climax from April 16th to 20th, 2024. Expect an electrifying showdown featuring the defending champion, the European titleholder, and a host of former victors assembling in Riyadh.
Continuing their collaboration, watchmakers Longines have held a long-term title partnership with FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping and has served as an FEI Top Partner since 2013. Understanding the significance of timing with equestrian competitions, Longines remains committed to advancing state-of-the-art timekeeping and data management services, along with related technology, in collaboration with the FEI, particularly tailored for equestrian sports.
The roster boasts a constellation of stars, led by Henrik von Eckermann (SWE), poised to defend his consecutive triumphs. Alongside his top mounts, King Edward and Iliana, he’ll contend with 34 other stellar athletes, hailing from 19 nations, including seven from the current top ten rankings, ensuring a spectacle to remember.
The Arab League will be well represented, with five athletes, three of whom hail from the host nation, including seasoned World Cup™ veteran and Olympic medalist Ramzy Al Duhami, and the consistent performer Khaled Almobty. Abdullah Alsharbatly, a silver medalist from the 2010 WEG and a bronze team winner from the 2012 Olympics, will also make an appearance with the renowned Alamo, previously piloted to victory by Steve Guerdat (SUI) in 2019. Speaking of Guerdat, this marks his 15th FEI World Cup™ Final, where he’ll compete with Is-Minka, following previous victories with Albführen’s Paille, Alamo, and Corbinian.
Seventeen athletes from the Western European League and seven from the North American League will intensify the competition, including renowned speedsters Julien Epaillard (FRA) and Kent Farrington (USA), as well as emerging talents like Jeanne Sadran (FRA) and Skylar Wireman (USA).
A star-studded lineup continues with names such as Ben Maher (GBR), Peder Fredricson (SWE), Marcus Ehning (GER), Scott Brash (GBR), Christian Ahlmann (GER), Martin Fuchs (SUI), and Max Kühner (AUT) set to grace Riyadh. From the far reaches of the globe, Shinichiro Sugiyama (JPN) with Rising Sun, Nurjan Tuyakbaev (UZB) from the Eurasian League, Kristaps Neretnieks (LAT), Sara Vingralkova (CZE), and Angelos Touloupis (GRE) from Central Europe will add to the international flair.
Notably, Riyadh not only hosts the inaugural FEI World Cup™ Finals in the region but also boasts a staggering prize fund of 2.6 million Euros, the highest in the history of the FEI World Cup™ Finals. From April 16th to 20th, the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center will witness the pinnacle of equestrian sport, welcoming the finest horses and athletes from around the world.
Learn more about the FEI World Cup at riyadh2024.fei.org.
