Edited press release from Global Champions League 

At the fourth stage of the 2025 GCL-season at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, Valkenswaard United delivered their first victory of the year, snatching the win at the 2025 GCL of Madrid presented by Marqués de Riscal from the Shanghai Swans by the narrowest of margins, while St Tropez Pirates completed the podium in third. 

Pairing experience with rising talent, Hans-Dieter Dreher (GER) on Elysium (VDL Zirocco Blue x Coronado) teamed up with Gilles Thomas (BEL) aboard Ermitage Kalone (Catoki x Kannan) to secure the win in front of an electric crowd, not forgetting a clear from Marcus Ehning (GER) and Coolio 42 (Casalito x Quidam de Revel) in the first round. With over four decades between them, the trio put on a masterclass in consistency and composure across two rounds.

Gilles Thomas explained the strategy behind today’s result: “We all came here with the same goal, bringing our best horses. It was not so easy to decide who was going to ride for the team in round 2, as Marcus [Ehning] also has his good horse here [Coolio 42], and jumped clear. In the end in round 2 he didn't ride, but he really helped us in the warm up.”

By placing second in Madrid, Shanghai Swans extended their lead in the overall GCL ranking to 96 points, while Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames and Valkenswaard United are tied in second place with 83 points each. Monaco Comets powered by Iron Dames' fourth place finish in Madrid booted them ahead of Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team to sit in fourth on 63 points and fifth on 61 points respectively.