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London Knights victorious in GCL of Miami Beach

Sunday, 16 April 2017
CSI5* GCL Miami Beach 2017

Photo (c) Stefano Grasso/GCL. Ben Maher and Kent Farrington. Photo (c) Stefano Grasso/GCL.

In an incredible turn of events, London Knights' Kent Farrington and teammate Ben Maher overtook leading team Valkenswaard United in a dramatic upset in the Global Champions League Final at Miami Beach yesterday. After only two events, the fight for the coveted title is already super competitive and tactical with team riders and trainers strategising to get an early advantage.

Talking about the GCL and the new format, top American rider and world no. 2 Kent said: “I think it’s really exciting what Jan is doing for the sport - he’s started the Global Champions Tour [12] years ago, and it’s been evolving ever since. I think the team competition is the latest evolution of his vision for big sport. We can already see big changes from last year - I’m really excited to be a part of it and it’s a great way to showcase our sport here in Miami Beach.”

Speaking from the live GCL TV studio Shanghai Swans team rider Jessica Springsteen said of the event: “It is amazing jumping here on the beach and riding here in the morning at sunrise. The new Global Champions League format is fantastic, it is more exciting and really fun.” Thousands of fans packed the grandstands ahead of the Global Champions League of Miami Beach, and were treated to an extra special moment when home team Miami Glory paraded the arena in a stunning red 1963 Chevrolet Impala. Scott Brash, Georgina Bloomberg and Kimberly Prince waved to the fans from the open top car in front of cheering fans. As the team riders stopped in front of the grandstand fans dashed to the front to get autographs and photos with the Miami Glory riders.

The atmosphere was electric, with spectators pumped up to watch the world's best in action just inches from the turqoise Atlantic Ocean.  aster holidaymakers, new to the sport, were delighted to see showjumping for the first time on such a spectacular stage with the world’s top equine athletes delivering thrilling competition. Hundreds of guests enjoyed world class hospitality in the beautiful VIP Lounge which stretches the length of the arena and offered breathtaking views across to the Atlantic Ocean. Global business heavyweights joined leading socialites for a stunning afternoon of top-level sport in a unique destination.

Valkenswaard United looked set to continue their reign as they headed to the final at Miami Beach in pole position following Thursday's round one. Maintaining their flawless score of zero faults, teammate Alberto Zorzi put them in a strong position to take the gold as they did in Mexico City last week. But, as the last rider to compete over a challenging course, Bertram Allen knocked down two fences along the track, scoring a unusual eight faults and dropping the team to a second place finish.

Doha Fursan Qatar came into today’s sizzling round with just two faults overall sitting in the second place spot. Unluckily, Sheikh Ali Bin Khalid Al Thani had the penultimate jump down to finish with four faults and Bassem Hassen Mohammed scored eight, so they slipped off the podium into fourth place this week with a total of 14 faults. Olympic gold medallist Scott Brash joined forces with teammate Georgina Bloomberg to represent the home team Miami Glory on their home turf, with both riders hungry to show well on home soil. Despite the cheers and the incredible atmosphere from the local crowd, the team had to settle for 12th after unlucky faults from both riders dropped them down the order.

The formidable London Knights jumped to the top spot on the podium, after a masterful display from the team riders. In round one Kent Farrington dropped one rail and his teammate Ben Maher was clear, which meant they entered into the final today with just four faults. Switching places today, Ben was the one who picked up a four fault score, causing the team to teeter with the potential for a podium spot. Coming in close to last and with all the pressure on his shoulders, Kent flew around the course with his feisty chestnut horse Creedance (Lord Z x Notaris) - with the pair the speediest ride of the day and clear for the class win, as well as elevating the London Knights to the GCL Final Miami Beach top podium spot. 

Moving up from the sixth to the third position for the week were the St. Tropez Pirates. Jérôme Guery and Simon Delestre represented the team once again with a final score of nine and a second place finish in Mexico City. These two friends joined the podium finish once again this week, earning the third position with a total of twelve faults and shooting the team up the overall rankings to third on 46 points.

As the victorious teams took to the podium followed by their victory gallop, the crowds cheered and the champagne was sprayed, adding to the excitement of the second stop for the Global Champions League on the sands of Miami Beach. Valkenswaard United go into the next leg in Shanghai, China, still holding on to the ranking lead with a total score of 55. The London Knights jump into second place with a total of 47 and the St. Tropez Pirates sit in a very close third with a total of 46.


Source: Press release from GCL / Picture © Stefano Grasso/GCL



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