Press release from Longines Global Champions Tour, edited by World of Showjumping

Germany celebrated an early home victory in Riesenbeck as René Dittmer and Corsica X (Connor x Corofino II) stormed to win Friday’s CSI5* 1.45m, launching stage 9 of the Longines Global Champions Tour in thrilling fashion.

As the Longines Global Champions Tour returned to Germany, the opening day of five-star sporting action at Riesenbeck International set the tone for an electrifying weekend of top sport. Against the dramatic backdrop of one of the world’s most celebrated equestrian venues, the CSI5* 1.45m Against the Clock presented by Hengststation Beerbaum brought together some of the world’s best horse-and-rider combinations as they took on a masterful course designed by Peter Schumacher (GER).

Germany's Rene Dittmer delivered the winning performance aboard the 13-year-old Corsica X, stopping the clock in a lightning-fast 59.87 seconds to secure victory. As the only combination to break the 60-second barrier, Dittmer set an untouchable target that proved beyond the rest of the field.

USA's Lillie Keenan and Highway TN (Eldorado vd Zeshoek x Chellano) came closest, producing a polished clear round to finish second in 61.44 seconds. Egypt's Nayel Nassar partnered Orphea HQ (Emerald x Epleaser van’T Heike) into third with another faultless performance, while Portugal's Duarte Seabra and Cabernet di Fer Z (Cicero Z x Baloubet du Rouet) claimed fourth. Italy's Emanuele Gaudiano steered Chabrello PS (Exelero x Andiamo Z) into fifth, with Germany's Stefan Engbers completing the top six aboard Baju NRW (Balou du Rouet x Calido I) after another clear round.

Speaking to GCTV after claiming top honours, Rene exclaimed - “I am so happy with my horse today. I have had her for three years now. I tried to do a quick turn from 1-2, and kept the pace up during the first half, that allowed me to slightly take the pressure off towards the end and keep the pace.”

As for his response to being asked if he was going to be following in the footsteps of fellow German star Gerrit Nieberg following his LGCT Grand Prix of Riesnbeck win in 2025, Rene said “That’s the plan!”