Edited press release from Longines Global Champions Tour

The Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem made history by capturing their first ever GCL win in a dramatic two-round team competition at the prestigious Royal Hospital Chelsea in London. Riding for Istanbul Warriors, Géraldine Straumann on Long John Silver 3 (Lasino x San Patrignano Corrado), Zascha Nygaard Lill with Stanley (Stakkato x Calido I) and Primavera (Mylord Carthago HN x Cornet Obolensky), as well as Andreas Schou on Billy Matador (Billy Mexico x Animo), finished with just a single rail down over both rounds to take the win on a score of four faults.

The London leg of the GCL, known for its challenging course and world-class competition, delivered an unforgettable spectacle in front of the sold-out crowd. Despite their valiant efforts, the Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses could not repeat their previous triumph and ended the competition as the fastest team with eight faults from the power trio of Malin Baryard-Johnsson and twins Nicola and Olivier Philippaerts. 

Adding to the excitement, the championship leaders Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames secured the third place, solidifying their position at the top of the overall standings with yet another podium for Sophie Hinners, Natalie Dean and Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann. Notably, this year’s GCL London podium was dominated by female riders, with five out of the six athletes representing the sport’s top female talent. 

Istanbul Warriors team owner and rider Efe Siyahi couldn’t hide his pride in today’s result. He said, “I am proud of my team - today the girls showed the girl power and we are so proud of them! We made strategic plans to have Andreas in Round 1 which paid off with a clear round, then let it to Geraldine and Zascha in Round 2. We couldn’t be more proud of this result”

Geraldine went on to add, “It is amazing - the venue, the crowd, the organisation - everything. It’s amazing to be here. I couldn’t be happier with my horse Long John Silver 3, he is so consistent and just such a dream to have on my team.”

With twelve stages of the 2024 championship race now complete, The Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames have claimed a spot on the podium in six of those stages, showing an impressive 50% strike rate. Nathalie Dean said, “it really is an amazing team and we really feel the support from the Iron Dames - it really is like a big family. At every show we try to bring our best horses and that really shows in the results.”