The Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) is an annual show jumping series that brings the top show jumpers in the world together to compete in some of the most explosive and exciting competition of any equestrian series. From individual events classified at CSI5* level to the newly created and highly exciting World Team Competition, the event is truly spectacular.
Taking place in up to 20 cities around the world, Downton Distillery were delighted to be the official Gin Sponsor for the London event that took place over three days in grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the retirement home for veterans of the British Army, the famous Chelsea Pensioners.
Partnering with our friends from Rhino Bars, we provided our Explorer's Gin to all five bars of the event (our largest undertaking to date), including the Champions Bar and the VIP Hospitality grandstand where we served cocktails named after previous Global Champions, plus of course our classic Explorer's G & T.
Under the knowledgeable and enthusiastic eye of Bill Gates and Bruce Springsteen (both of whose daughters were competing in the event) and thousands of other enthusiasts, this year's winner was Britain's own 2012 Olympic Champion, Ben Maher. After helping to win the Global Champions League Team event for the London Knights, he then continued on to the 12 horse jump-off final to claim the LGCT champions title on his horse Explosion W. Congratulations to Ben and look forward to continuing our relationship with the Global Championships Tour on another adventure elsewhere in the world!
