Riyadh, November 24, 2024 – The “Riyadh Final” of the Longines Global Champions Tour has been hailed as an outstanding event, with Jan Tops, the President of the Longines Global Champions Tour and Longines Global Champions League, commending the excellence of the competition. The event culminated in a thrilling victory for Luxembourg’s Victor Bettendorf, who claimed the top spot in the individual competition of the championship’s final qualifiers on Friday. Bettendorf, ranked 44th in the FEI World Jumping Rankings, marked a historic achievement by winning the prestigious Riyadh Final in his debut appearance at the event.
Tops praised the level of competition throughout the season, highlighting the exceptional performances of both the riders and their horses. Reflecting on the success of the championship and the surrounding events, he expressed deep appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s role in hosting such a world-class sporting spectacle. “It has been a fantastic season for the riders and horses,” Tops remarked, emphasizing the remarkable quality of the competition. “Saudi Arabia is no stranger to show jumping, having earned medals and achieved top positions in the Olympic Games. The country boasts excellent riders, outstanding infrastructure, and an enthusiastic audience,” he added, underscoring the Kingdom’s growing prominence as a hub for equestrian sports.
The Riyadh Final not only showcased top-tier athleticism but also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting and advancing the sport of show jumping on the global stage. The event took place at an extraordinary venue, surrounded by state-of-the-art facilities and the vibrant energy of a passionate local audience.
Victor Bettendorf, who earned his first championship title in his debut appearance at the Riyadh Final, could hardly contain his excitement after the win. “It’s incredible to secure my first championship at such a prestigious event,” Bettendorf said, reflecting on the significance of the victory. He also expressed his gratitude for the large crowd that filled the venue, which added an electrifying atmosphere to the competition. “The audience made it even more special, creating such an energetic environment that fueled my performance,” he shared, highlighting the importance of the spectators' support in enhancing the overall experience.
As the Longines Global Champions Tour season comes to a close, the Riyadh Final stands as a testament to the incredible growth and success of equestrian sports in Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom’s investment in its equestrian infrastructure, along with its dedication to hosting world-class sporting events, continues to solidify its reputation as a leading destination for international show jumping.