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

Global Champions League lit up Liberty State Park in New York, USA, as the GCL returned to the city that never sleeps for the first time since 2022. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Hudson River, Manhattan’s iconic skyline and the Statue of Liberty, stage 12 of the season unfolded under glorious late-summer sunshine, with the riders and horses converging on a brand-new venue.

In the end, it was the Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses who rose to the challenge, with the twin brothers Olivier and Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) holding their nerve when it mattered most and converting their pole position into a win. Their flawless strategy with H&M Miro (Diamant de Semilly x Kannan), Gadget Mouche (Andiamo Semilly x Consul Dl Vie Z), Nobel van de Vrombautshoeve Z (Nabab de Reve x Corrado I) and H&M Que Sera (By Cera d’Ick x Diamant de Semilly) secured the Hearts their first win of the season in unforgettable style. “It’s been a while,” Olivier exclaimed. “It’s been a bit of a difficult season but we’ve been working towards this and getting some good points as we are heading into Prague.”

Madrid in Motion – with Manuel Fernandez Saro (ESP) on Ezilis du Mesnil (Qlassic Bois Margot x Tinka’s Boy) and Eduardo Alvarez Aznar (ESP) aboard Made In’T Ruytershof (Norton d'Eole x Diamant de Semilly) as well as Qevita vd Bisschop (Vigo d’Arsouilles x Elvis Ter Putte) – impressed with grit and composure, producing their signature consistency to guarantee themselves a place on the podium, ultimately claiming second. Being second last to go gave Madrid in Motion the advantage of knowing exactly what was needed to secure their place on the podium. Manuel Fernandez Saro said: “It came down to time in the end, we knew what we had to do and we managed to go into second. I was aiming to do a clear round. I’m very happy with the result.”

Riesenbeck International powered by HorseGym – Marco Kutscher (GER) on Aventador S (Armitage x Charming Boy) and Catelly (Catalido x Ephebe for Ever) paired with Maximilian Weishaupt aboard Zuccero HV (Zirocco Blue x Caretino) – thrilled the crowd with their trademark fighting spirit, rallying late to secure a hard-earned third place. Weishaupt said: “I’m really pleased with the podium of course, especially since we were also on the podium last week at our home show Riesenbeck. It gives us great points for the overall Championship standings.”

Valkenswaard United retain their lead on the overall GCL ranking with 240 points, but the gap is narrowing fast. Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames are hot on their heels with 234, chasing the title after their 2024 triumph. Shanghai Swans hold third on 218 points, while the Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team are firmly in the hunt in fourth with 200. Riesenbeck International’s second podium in as many weeks has catapulted them into contention, climbing to 190 points and placing them within striking distance of the leaders as the season enters its decisive stages.