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

Valkenswaard United soared to victory in the GCL of Monaco, the thrilling eighth stage of the 2025 Global Champions League-season. With just days to go before the mid-season transfer window opens, every point counted more than ever – and the sold-out crowd at Port Hercule witnessed strategy, skill, and sheer brilliance in action

Valkenswaard United sealed their fifth podium of the season – and an incredible third win – with a flawless round 2 performance. Gilles Thomas (BEL) and the electric Qalista DN (Emerald x Landetto), paired with Lorenzo de Luca (ITA) aboard Jappeloup (Calvaro F.C. x Heartbreaker), delivered two ice-cool clears that sealed the win and rocketed them into the lead of the 2025 GCL overall standings. 

"We were here to be on the podium, so to take the win and the armband back, we couldn’t wish for a better result," Gilles Thomas said. 

Hot on their heels were Basel Cosmopolitans, whose determined effort kept the pressure high until the final fence. Andreas Schou (DEN) and Napoli VH Nederassenthof (President x Quasimodo Z) produced a gutsy round in the second phase, while Zascha Nygaard Lill (DEN) and her consistent Primavera (Mylord Carthago x Cornet Obolensky) delivered yet another double clear, securing second place by the slimmest of margins - just three penalties separating them from the top step.

“Finally," explained a beaming Andreas Schou. "We had a lot of good rounds this season, but somehow it just didn’t quite come together with the right results but today was just perfect. Zascha once again delivered like she did in Paris, my horse jumped well, Michael’s did too, and we couldn’t be more happy with the results.”

Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses completed the podium after a rollercoaster evening. Jane Richard (SUI) and Molly Malone Z (Mylord Carthago x Cassini II) posted one of the only double clears of the entire night, while Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) kept their hopes alive with a fighting finish aboard Dixie Moon (Diamantino x Baltimore), despite two rails falling. The team’s resilience paid off, and they stood proudly in third.

"We’ve had a tough season this year, so to finish in third place is a great result," Philippaerts said. "I felt as though first could’ve been ours but no matter what, Jane did fantastic tonight with the double clear."