Doha: The three leading contenders – World No.1 Scott Brash multiple Grand Prix winner Luciana Diniz and Olympic silver medallist and European Champion Rolf-Goran Bengtsson – for the Longines Global Champions Tour crown are upbeat ahead of the amazing title showdown at Al Shaqab today in Doha.

The trio gathered together ahead of the knife edge €1.4m Tour final.

The three top riders who have collectively won seven of the 15 Grand Prix this year gave their insight into today’s epic sporting climax to the sensational 2015 season and their excitement about the new GCL Team Competition starting next year.

Ranking leader Scott Brash (GBR) confirmed he will be competing on his Olympic gold medal horse Hello Sanctos and said: “I think it’s very tight; down to the wire again as it always seems to be in Doha. I think we’re looking forward to great sport on Saturday night here and we’re all happy to be here. I’m very lucky that Sanctos likes jumping in Doha it seems to be a lucky ring for us. It’s nice to be coming in as Tour leader but [Luciana and Rolf] are hot on my heels so we’re going to have to try and produce another great performance in Doha.”

His closest rival Luciana Diniz (POR) also spoke about the intense battle for the championship crown: “I’m very happy to be here. Last year I helped [Scott] by being second so maybe this year he will help me to win - that would be the greatest present he could give me! We will all ride for [the win] but also it depends on the day the performance of the day how the horses are feeling how we are feeling and who has the most luck. For sure all of us will do our best.”

Bengtsson who narrowly missed out on winning the title last year said: “We had a real battle last year and it was a great class. It was super super close - it couldn’t be more close! Casall ASK has been tremendous this season again all the time in the second round - he’s very good. [Casall’s consistency] shows his quality; I’ve been trying and have equalled the points but not having the wins enough to get the nose in front. To be here again in this position that’s strong - I feel very happy about my horse and to be here.”

Riders also spoke about the Global Champions League the new team-based competition that will herald a new era in show jumping launching in 2016. The new format will trigger fascinating new tactical battles and energise the sport by creating new rivalries and alliances. Already riders are looking ahead to the transformational new format which will inject fresh excitement for fans and TV audiences worldwide.

Brash said of the new team competition: “It’s very very good and very interesting; I think it is the next step for our sport and if we can follow football and Formula 1 it is going to be very healthy for our sport. I am very happy to be involved in our sport at this time.”

In another interview about the new team competition Scott added: “Next year it will be very very exciting. It brings our sport to another level. I think it will make a difference to fans because it become even more popular. Hopefully our sport can one day be along with the likes of tennis and Formula 1 and this is really exciting.”

Rolf-Göran Bengtsson commented: “I think it is good for our sport to involve more people. I am looking forward to it it can be a great thing.” In another interview Rolf also spoke of the impact of the new team-based League and the attraction for fans.”

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