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Gallant Knights strengthen hold on GCL-ranking after third win in Chantilly

Saturday, 14 July 2018
CSI5* LGCT Chantilly 2018

Photo (c) GCL / Stefano Grasso The London Knights won the GCL of Chantilly, with Ben Maher and Nicola Philippaerts on the team. Photo (c) GCL / Stefano Grasso

The London Knights secured a third win of the GCL-season, after a knife-edge finish saw Ben Maher with Explosion W (Chacco-Blue x Baloubet du Rouet) and Nicola Philippaerts with H&M Chilli Willi (Casall x Lord) take the top step of the podium at GCL Chantilly.

It all came down to the final furlong at the stunning venue, surrounded by Chantilly's famous racetrack by its fairytale Chateau. The gallant Knights finished just ahead of Valkenswaard United’s Marcus Ehning and Alberto Zorzi - both on four faults apiece, but the Knights ahead on time. With both teams scoring maximum points today, it’s shaping up to be a thrilling joust to the finish as the two teams pull away from the rest of the field.

With one eye on the final in Doha and the GCL Super Cup at the GC Prague Playoffs, Knights rider, Ben Maher spoke of the team’s focus and commitment for the rest of the season: “We're very happy with today’s result but for sure we’ll want to keep going the whole way to Doha."

Shanghai Swans’ duo of Daniel Deusser and Shane Sweetnam took third, rising from 11th at the start of today’s competition, the high drama round proving that every fence counts as teams fight for supremacy in the overall rankings.

Ben Maher of London Knights, said: “We have a very strong team with good riders, good horses and each rider has a couple of horses to swap and change we try to select right horses for right shows and so far plan is going well!"

"My thoughts was try to go quick enough and try to stay clear. I had a mistake at the double, which was quite expensive but Ben made up for it and made the win today," said team-mate Nicola Philippaerts. "For the moment [the team camaraderie] is amazing - the five riders are very nice riders, we get along well and have a good team spirit as well as a few good combinations."

Today’s result means the Knights have extended their lead to 244 points with United on 227. Miami Celtics have dropped behind the leading two, now on 169 overall, while the Scandinavian Vikings cling on to fourth in 167, just two points away from Montreal Diamonds in fifth on 165.

 


Source: Press release from the Global Champions League

Picture © GCL/Stefano Grasso



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