Edited press release from Global Champions League

Against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, Rome Gladiators powered by ClipMyHorse.TV won the GCL Miami Beach with Laura Kraut, Lorenzo de Luca and Michael Duffy climbing from sitting 9th after round one to finish first with a total score of eight faults. Two clears in the second round – from Kraut and Bisquetta (Bisquet Balou Vd Mispelaere x Takashi Van Berkenbroek), as well as De Luca and Cappuccino 194 (Comme Il Faut x Sir Shutterfly) – shot the team up on the result list.

Prague Lions powered by the Czech Equestrian Team – U25 rider Thibeau Spits on Impress-K van't Kattenheye Z (Indoktro van't Kattenheye x Vagabond de La Pomme) and Fernando Martinez Sommer on Lady van de Haarterhoeve (Casall x Clarimo) – was the only team to not make a single horse or rider change between the two back-to-back rounds. The tactic paid off as they secured second place with a team total of ten faults after both rounds. Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses rounded off the podium as the fastest of three teams finishing on 12 faults added together, from Jessica Springsteen on Naomi van het Keizershof (Cardento x For Pleasure), Malin Bayard-Johnsson on H&M Indiana (Kashmir van Schuttershof x Animo’s Hallo) and Nicola Philippaerts on H&M Luna van't Ruytershof Z (Levisto Z x For Pleasure) as well as Derby de Riverland (Kannan x L'Arc de Triomphe). 

Talking to GCTV the Rome Gladiators Lorenzo de Luca spoke of such a unique destination to compete on the beach: “Look at this - it is just an amazing location and amazing facilities. All the team of Global Champions always work their hardest to make the best events, so we are really glad to be here.”

Teammate and local fan favourite riding on home turf, Laura Kraut smiled: “We’re both new to the Rome Gladiators this year, although we were former Gladiators, we are back for 2024! I love being at home and it’s really fun to have the crowd here watching and cheering for me.”

With a smile lighting up Miami South Beach, Thibault Spits was ecstatic with his first-ever podium in the GCL. Standing next to teammate Fernando Martinez Sommer, Thibault said, “It’s unbelievable to be honest. Coming here I didn’t really know what to expect. My horse has been in good shape lately, but it’s her first time in a GCL class like this, so I just came here trying to do my best for the team to be on the podium, this is amazing. It’s unbelievable.”

Rome Gladiators and Doha-winners Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames are now both on 44 points on the overall GCL standings. Mexico Amigos sits third on 42 points, while Prague Lions and Stockholm Hearts are fourth and fifth – both on 40 points.