Release date: 01/09/2011 |    

Amazing statistics as Global Champions Tour counts down to the Rio Grand Prix

Above: Grooms taking the opportunity to ride the horses in the practice arena after the flight across the globe from Europe to Brazil.

Watched over by one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the logistics behind the Global Champions Tour in Rio de Janeiro boasts some impressive facts and figures.

With €1 million in total prize money to be won in Sunday’s Grand Prix alone, there was an atmosphere of deadly serious preparation as the world’s top riders warmed up for the main event in the shadow of the statue of Christ on the famous Corcovado Mountain.

The ninth leg in the GCT 2011 series is set to draw in thousands of spectators over the next three days.

Over the past fortnight around 90 top class horses have flown from Europe on 7 specially chartered flights to take part in the crucial 5* competitions. Grooms travelled with each flight, which can carry up to 15 horses on the long journey across the Atlantic.

Strict welfare conditions mean that each flight has a vet and specialist caretakers in attendance as well as the personal grooms and trainers each horse is familiar with.

The horses are well catered for at the event with 7 tons of specially chosen food andmany more tons of hay and carrots to keep them fortified for the competitions during the biggest equestrian event in Latin America.

Over 170 riders, including dressage and amateur riders, representing 21 countries are taking part including a clutch of Olympic gold medallists. All the top riders will be chasing vital FEI ranking points with last year’s winner in Rio Marcus Ehning and this year’s current GCT leader Edwina Alexander being closely watched by the crowds.

Over 800 workers have helped set up the huge structures that make up the GCT and Athina Onassis International Horse Show possible, including spectactor and VIP seating, shops, restaurants and technical areas spread across 45,000 sqaure metres.

Even the LED panels around the main arena of the Brazilian Equestrian Society weigh in at a staggering 10 tons and one of the organisers estimated there is enough electricity to power 1,000 two-bedroom apartments.

Millions of television viewers around the world will be able to see the action from the GCT Grand Prix which will be broadcast on Eurosport on Monday 5 September at 1415 CEST.

Below: The horses have settled in well and have everything required for their best welfare.  The weather conditions over the next few days forecast low 20 degrees celcius conditions proving perfect for show jumping.

The Global Champions Tour team has arrived at the Athina Onassis International Horse Show and are in the throws of final set up for the next three days of top level show jumping.

Today, Thursday 1st September, riders have the opportunity of a warm up session  in the main arena. (above) 18h00 Brazil time 1.40m (23h00 CEST) and 19h00 Brazil time 1.50m (24h00 CEST)

Below: GCT Sport Director Marco Danese and GCT event organiser Anne Botella check the condition of the GCT jumps. The jumping  fences were flown to the event from Europe along with the horses.

Photo credits: Stefano Grasso/GCT