Imperial backdrop, big plans: equestrian sport wants to stay in Schönbrunn

Castle backdrop as a crowd puller

Almost full ranks on Thursday, then three full days, all in all around 22,000 spectators filled the stands and the VIP tent. But the main actors weren’t just the often several Millions of expensive horses and their riders. Because the splendor was modestly provided by the summer residence Habsburgs in the background. Even if it is a “difficult story” due to various requirements: “Without the castle, the tournament would not have this success. It is very, very important,” said Morbitzer.

The former Olympic riders was able to report with satisfaction on the final day, which was also the highlight with the Grand Prix. Not least because the tournament is of great importance for all sport in Austria. “We need lighthouse projects like this, that motivates the sponsors, that motivates the organizers. For the equestrian sport itself, it’s like a cannon blast,” said Morbitzer, who together with Sonja Klima acts as an organizer and with the mix of jumping, dressage, junior competitions and one Children’s Day created a diversity “that doesn’t exist anywhere else on the tour”.

An event with a future

With the openness to Schönbrunn visitorswho were allowed onto the grounds without a tournament ticket – but of course not into the stands – the aim was also to attract non-sports audiences. So people gathered together on all days 50,000 people the area. “I want to create an event here for everyone, especially for children, for young people, for people with normal tickets. I try to keep the categories so that everyone can get in.”

In principle sees Morbitzer the tournament rests on solid foundations. That about 2027 with the Premier Jumping League A competing series that is better endowed than the GCT will appear on the scene is irrelevant for Morbitzer. “I can do the whole thing without it GCT“, emphasized the Upper Austrian, who isn’t worried about the stars either. “If I’m alone, it’s no problem with the riders,” he said and led with the Swiss Steve Guerdat perhaps the currently best athlete as a key witness: “He assured me that he would come.”