Press release from GCL, edited by World of Showjumping

The unpredictability of the GCL was on full display in Riesenbeck, Germany, as Basel Cosmopolitans powered by Les Trois Rois produced one of the comeback performances of the 2026 season, climbing from ninth after round one to claim a sensational stage 9 victory.

Basel Cosmopolitans powered by Les Trois Rois made history in spectacular fashion by claiming their first-ever GCL victory, producing a flawless second-round performance to take the title in Riesenbeck. The first event following the mid-season transfer window delivered drama from start to finish as Marlon Modolo Zanotelli (BRA) on Ilex (Baltic VDL x Chin Chin) and Zascha Nygaard (DEN) and Com’On Drako de Maugre (Kannan x Fusain du Defey) both jumped faultless rounds to seal a remarkable comeback. Pole position sitters Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team were forced to settle for second after two costly rails in the second round, while Doha Falcons completed the podium in third.

A beaming Marlon Zanotelli analysed the team performance to GCTV: “We're very, very happy. It was a bit unexpected, to be honest, but we tried to put the pressure on and it worked out today. In jumping, every rider and every horse has to do their job, and today everyone delivered. It's been game on from day one. Hopefully we can keep this momentum going, keep producing results like this, and continue the fight for the championship."

Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) – who rode Qasirah van de Reistenhoek (Emerald x Kannan) – spoke of the Istanbul Warriors’ second place: "It's great to be jumping alongside this team. It's a shame we finished with two rails because that meant we couldn't fight for the win, but that's the sport and that's what makes it exciting."