Press release from Global Champions League, edited by World of Showjumping

The Longines Tops International Arena buzzed with excitement on Friday as spectators gathered to witness the thrilling action of the GCL in Valkenswaard, the Netherlands. Seasoned fans and newcomers watched on as Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team’s Pieter Devos (BEL) with Lente (Grandorado TN x Iroko) and Primo DV (Vigo d’Arsouilles x Heartbreaker) and Fernando Martinez Sommer (MEX) riding Joep (Otangelo x Kojak) soared to victory as the only team on four faults. 

Home team Valkenswaard United extended their lead in the dramatic GCL-race with a second place finish from Gilles Thomas (BEL) on two nine-year-olds – Qalista DN (Emerald x Landetto) and Qiara de Kalvarie (Sea Coast Don’t Touch Tiji Hero x Zandor Z) – fighting it out alongside teammate Hans-Dieter Dreher (GER) riding Vestmalle des Cotis (Baloubet du Rouet x Landor S) and the ultra-consistent Elysium (VDL Zirocco Blue x Coronado). Storming ahead, in 2025 alone, they have now secured six podiums, three of which were wins and three second places. 

Scandinavian Vikings landed on their first podium of the season, taking third with mid-season transfer Amanda Landeblad (SWE) on Springfield 21 (Stakkato Gold x Classiker), Jur Vrieling (NED) with Kannan JR (Cornet Obolensky x Quick Star) and Sara Vingralkova (CZE) aboard Rock'n Roll Mxl (Denzel vt Meulenhof x Elvis ter Putte).

“It was about time that we won,” exclaimed Pieter Devos of the Prague Lions. “We’ve actually had a really good season until now, but we were a few times just missing out on top spot, but today we were able to make it to the top of the podium so we couldn’t be happier for the Prague Lions!”