Edited press release from Longines Global Champions Tour

The CSI5* Longines Global Champions Tour of London kicked off in spectacular fashion on Friday, setting the stage for a weekend of world-class competition on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

Germany's Nicola Pohl and Arlo de Blondel (Tlaloc M x Kassidi) emerged victorious in the feature class of the day, the CSI5* 1.45m – counting for the Longines Ranking Group D. Clinching the victory by over a second, Pohl's first CSI5* LGCT triumph was not without fierce competition, as Jessica Springsteen (USA) aboard Hungry Heart (Baltimore 1178 x Loucaibo) pushed the boundaries – keeping the suspense alive until the very last moment. However, with a time of 60.86 against Pohl's 59.74, Springsteen had to settle for the runner-up spot, while the home hero Scott Brash (GBR) and Hello Mr President (Comme d'Api v.d.Hacienda Z x unknown) secured a third place finish on home turf – much to the delight of the British crowd.

A beaming Nicola was full of praise for Arlo de Blondel: “I am so happy and very thankful to Arlo for giving me this win, and I am feeling very lucky," she said. "He has been going fantastic all year, and he is probably the one I feel most comfortable about. He always gives 120%, and he is so fast on his good days which just makes it easier and a lot of fun.”

James Smith (GBR) and Cottee (Asterix E Z x Couleur Rubin) finished fourth, followed by Angelica Augustsson Zanotelli (SWE) and Legend Of Life (Lord Fauntleroy x Lehnbach S) in fifth.