Press release from Global Champions League, edited by World of Showjumping

In a thriller at the iconic Circus Maximus, the Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames shone brightest under the Roman sun, delivering four flawless rounds to claim victory in the GCL of Rome and level on points with the overall ranking leaders Valkenswaard United. With just two stages left in the 2025 GCL-season, the title fight could not be tighter - both teams now sit on 277 points, but Valkenswaard retain the lead thanks to a greater number of wins this year.

The Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames duo of Sophie Hinners (GER) with Iron Dames Combella (Cornet du Lys x Indoctro) and Katrin Eckermann (GER) aboard Chao Lee (Comme Il Faut x Chacco-Blue) and Iron Dames Dialou Blue PS (Diarado’s Boy x Chacco-Blue) who were simply untouchable across both rounds. The pair produced immaculate clear rounds, combining precision and power to secure a commanding win on 0 faults and an overall time of 151.17 seconds.

Eckermann praised the team’s cohesion: “It’s always special to win with this team - we trust each other completely, and the horses were in fantastic form today. Rome is one of the most beautiful shows on the circuit, and this win means everything for our championship fight.”

Teammate Hinners added: “It is going to be a very exciting last two shows of the year! We are proud to be on top of the podium today. It makes us so happy to see these championship points and now we need to fight until the end!”

It was a high-intensity showdown from start to finish. Doha Falcons played a great strategy not making a horse or rider change between rounds and impressed with consistency from Sheikh Ali Al Khalid Al Thani (QAT) and Com’on Stanley (Stakkato x Calido I) alongside Bassem Mohammed (QAT) with Rocket Man (Mylord Carthago x Quality Time TN), securing second place on a total of 4 faults after two gritty rounds.

The Paris Panthers completed the podium with a combined total of 6 faults, led by Guido Grimaldi (ITA) aboard Gentleman (Vigo d’Arsouilles x Oklund) and Clara Pezzoli (ITA) with Fantasia de Beaufour (Contendro I x Diamant de Semilly) and Hadewyn van't Ravennest (Comme Il Faut x Carrico) to secure their first ever podium of the season.

The 2025 GCL overall ranking race has reached fever pitch. With Valkenswaard United and Cannes Stars now locked on equal points – 277 each – every rail and every second will count heading into the final two stages in Rabat and Riyadh. Valkenswaard retain the lead formally as they have a higher number of wins this year. Hot on their heels, the Shanghai Swans remain firmly in contention on 246 points, with the ever-consistent Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team close behind on 241 after another strong showing in Rome. Meanwhile, Riesenbeck International powered by HorseGym sit in fifth on 230 points, still within striking distance.