For the very first time, showjumping history has been made beneath the Pyramids, with the inaugural Longines Global Champions Tour of Cairo having taken place last week against the stunning and historical backdrop of the Pyramids of Giza. Never before have the world’s leading showjumping riders competed for one of the sport’s most prestigious titles in front of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the setting certainly did not disappoint. With the magnificent Pyramids rising above the arena, an electric crowd and an extraordinary atmosphere, Cairo provided a spectacular stage for a landmark moment in the Tour’s 20th anniversary season.
Not only was the stage spectacular, but the sport made for thrilling viewing, too. 12 combinations made it through to the jump-off phase, and Belgium’s Pieter Devos delivered a sensational performance aboard Casuall DV Z, a home-bred Belgian Cornet Obolensky mare, to claim the inaugural Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Cairo title, stopping the clock in an unbeatable 45.85 seconds and taking home an impressive €330,000 in prize money.
Fellow Belgian Olivier Philippaerts came close to victory aboard Hipster SV, a Swedish Warmblood gelding born in 2016, producing a brilliant double clear in 46.31 seconds to secure second place. His outstanding performance also earned him the coveted golden ticket to the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix at the GC Playoffs in Verona next month.
Great Britain’s Ben Maher completed the podium aboard Point Break, a 2014 born Swedish Warmblood, delivering another exceptional double clear in 46.57 seconds to finish third. With just 0.72 seconds separating the top three, the historic Grand Prix showcased the extraordinary level of competition that has defined the 2026 season.
The tour moves to the final stage in Rabat from 30 October to 1 November 2026.
The LGCT and GCL 2026 from Cairo will be available to watch on Horse & Country’s subscription service, H&C+, from 6pm GMT on 28th October. For those who have not subscribed to H&C+ before, it can be watched with a 7-day free trial.
