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The GCT, or Global Champions Tour, is the pinnacle of Showjumping. It attracts celebrities, global brands, and since its launch in 2006, has captured the eye of the general public.
The GCT holds events in stunning locations such as: Vienna, Miami, Paris, Valkenswaard, Madrid, Antwerp, and many more. But the question is, could a GCT event be held in Australia?
Okay, the answer is yes, with a lot of work and organising. Riders would have to be prepared to freight their horses to the land Down Under, and wait to have the horses quarantined. The period of isolation is six weeks. For European riders, that’s along time to have out of their season. But surely Ccstoms could “relax” the laws? Many people would love to see a GCT event in Australia. We need to look at the pros and cons.
Showjumping is a extremely popular sport in Europe so tourism is a automatic pro. Also whatever city hosted the show would receive plenty of media attention.
Public interest, with our own Australian showjumper, Edwina Tops Alexander competing in the GCT, home talent is always a pro of any country hosting an international show. I think it would be a successful event, no matter where it was held.
Freight, is a unfortunate con of having any event in Australia. The logistics operation would be huge, but like for the Australian F1 Grand Prix it could and can definitely be done with effort, and paperwork! Another con is willingness of the riders themselves. T
hey have to make a living too, and no rider wants to have a horse out of competition for six weeks, unfortunately it’s a automatic knockback.
So summing up, having a Global Champions Tour in Australia could be indeed possible, but just not right now.
I can definitely see it happening in the future though, and mabey if we’re lucky it might just get held in the Royal Gardens in Sydney! Or at least that’s where Edwina Tops Alexander would host it. Now it’s just up to customs, and the GCT!
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