The Global Champions League made an impressive debut on French soil with another nail-biting round as the twelve teams battled it out against the backdrop of the Chateau de Chantilly. Madrid in Motion stormed to their first victory of the season, with Pedro Veniss and For Felicila (For Pleasure x Espri) uniting with Gonzalo Añón Suarez and Qlamp d’Ivraie (Dandy du Plape) to ride a stunning round seven of what is turning into a fascinating debut season of the GCL. An ecstatic Madrid in Motion rider Gonzalo said ‘today was our day’ with teammate Pedro agreeing and saying ‘I just love the [League]!"

The Rome Gladiators carried their momentum through from their recent win in Madrid, with Laura Renwick and Heliodor Hybris (Diamant de Semilly x Cannonball) combining with Marlon Módolo Zanotelli and Valetto Jx (Cevin Z x Giorgione) for the first time this season to take a strong 2nd. Third place went to another new combination, with Roosje Brouwer riding Van Helsing (Valentino x Stakkato) and Kevin Jochems with Zanzibar (Stolzenberg x Wether) putting in a stunning performance for team Cannes Stars and lifting the team up to 5th overall on the rankings.

The drama in the overall GCL rankings has moved up a gear once more, with Valkenswaard United narrowly holding onto their lead with a total of 164 points overall. Hot on their heels are the Monaco Aces, who sit on 160 points, and following their string of success, the Rome Gladiators have jostled out the Antwerp Diamonds from third and currently sit on 157 points overall.

“I’m very happy. My mare jumped amazing. Gonzalo had a time fault in the first round, and I said to him ‘I think if we have two clear rounds we have a big chance to win’ as it’s always difficult courses, and it worked out today," said Pedro Veniss after the win.

“It was amazing to win here - it’s a great place to win! Not great weather, but it was a great opportunity for us. Pedro was great, and my horse was amazing as always - we are really happy. We’ve often been in the second round this season, fighting for it, but not really lucky - but today was our day," Gonzalo Anon Suarez added.

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