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

As the fastest team to finish on four faults, Valkenswaard United secured their second win of the GCL-season in Ramatuelle, St. Tropez, France, with Hans-Dieter Dreher (GER) – riding Elysium (VDL Zirocco Blue x Coronado) and Vestmalle des Cotis (Baloubet du Rouet x Landor S) – paired with Gilles Thomas (BEL) on Qalista DN (Emerald x Landetto) stepping on top of the podium. 

Last year’s GCL of St Tropez winners, Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames’ Katrin Eckermann (GER) on Iron Dames Cala Mandia NRW (Capistrano x Valentino) and Chao Lee (Comme Il Faut x Chacco-Blue) together with Natalie Dean (USA) on Acota M (Toulon x Quattro) as well as Anastasia Nielsen (MON) aboard My Bravo Boy PS (Messenger x Balou du Rouet) clinched second place by just a second and a half, while 2023 GCL season champions Riesenbeck International powered by HorseGym took third as the only team on 8 faults from Christian Kukuk (GER) on Checker 47 (Comme Il Faut x Come On) and Philipp Weishaupt (GER) aboard Oreo D.R. (Kannan x Balougran). 

Gilles Thomas spoke of how his nine-year-old mount Qalista DN, who stepped up, producing a clear and four for the team. He said: “In Madrid, I had Luna and Ermitage, and now here with Qalista, she is a very good horse and I had a very good feeling but the first time you never quite know - today she did fantastic! I must add with the double clear of Hansi [Hans-Dieter Dreher], the credit must go to him for our podium today.”

Moving from 9th after round one up to an incredible second place, last year’s winners, Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames, couldn't hide their relief. Katrin Eckermann, who took the top spot for the team at the same stage in 2024, said: “We saw many clear rounds in the first round, but again, the same as last year, the second round was tough. With the sun going down it is not so easy, but it was a nice day also for Anastasia [Nielsen] joining the team for the first time in the first round. What a strong feeling with the team behind us!”

Christian Kukuk spoke exclusively to GCTV on behalf of Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym. He said: “Probably two years ago we would’ve been a little disappointed with the third place, but so far this year we were struggling a bit with that last piece of luck you need… Today we were missing it again, but Phillipp and I had a very good overall performance. It was a very challenging second round, so really we are very happy with the third place and we are looking forward to the next one.”