‘F1 showjumping’ in central London: ‘Spectacular’ plans backed in bid to build on 2012 Olympics equestrian legacy

Olympic gold medallist Nick Skelton is backing a “spectacular” proposal to bring the world’s most prestigious showjumping event back to the heart of London.

The Longines Global Champions Tour, a series of four-day elite tournaments across 15 global cities, will stop off at the Royal Hospital Chelsea next year if plans are approved.

The series is known as the “Formula 1 of equestrian sport”, and backers of the hospital plan say hosting 15,000 spectators over four days in August — including 2,000 royal, celebrity and corporate VIPs — would inject millions of pounds into the local economy.

It could also boost the Ministry of Defence’s finances and the charity-funded home of the Chelsea Pensioners at the Royal Hospital. Supporters hope the London fixture could become permanent. This year’s tour has visited cities including Shanghai, Rome, Paris, Madrid, Miami and Doha.

Regular competitors include Charlotte Casiraghi, granddaughter of Princess Grace of Monaco, heiresses Athina Onassis and Georgina Bloomberg, Bruce Springsteen’s daughter Jessica, Sofia Abramovich, Eve Jobs and Jennifer Gates.

Skelton, who became the oldest GB Olympic champion when he won in Rio aged 58, said: “It is extremely important that London is on the calendar of a sporting event of this calibre. The Royal Hospital Chelsea would be an inspiring location at which to celebrate the success of British showjumping riders and for the grassroots of our sport.

“This will build on the success and legacy of the London 2012 Olympics.”

An application for temporary planning permission for marquees, stands and arenas has been submitted to Kensington and Chelsea council. Planning officers are recommending approval. The tour has been held in the UK three times. Of previous venues, the Olympic Park and Horse Guards Parade are not available and Syon Park in Brentford is deemed too far from the city centre.

Chelsea Pensioners have urged the council to back the plan. One, who gave his name as Mr Cantellow, wrote: “The cultural, economic and community benefits are phenomenal. The people who will be drawn in are very influential, high rollers, big spenders, which will be to the benefit of local businesses. The popularity of Chelsea Flower Show has made it an annual event, extremely well attended — the same interest in the equestrian event could follow suit.”

Lieutenant-Colonel Andrew Hickling, the hospital’s director of estates, said: “This will bring great financial benefits to the hospital, which will demonstrate we will continue to do our bit to reduce the burden on ever-shrinking government resources.” The Global Champions Tour said: “Britain is a strong horse country. Our goal is to return to a central venue that is as accessible as possible to as many fans as possible.” The plan has been submitted by Dominic Lawson Bespoke Planners on behalf of the event’s Netherlands-based organiser.