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

It was the Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team that stole the spotlight at the 11th stage of the Global Champions League in Riesenbeck, Germany, producing a masterclass of strategy and composure to take the win. Represented by Simon Delestre (FRA), Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) and Hasan Senturk (TUR), the Warriors combined grit and brilliance across both rounds. In round one, a rail apiece from Delestre on Golden Boy DK (Diamant de Semilly x Cash) and Senturk aboard Avant Toi (Flyinge Quite Easy x Narcos II) left them in a manageable position. Then, under pressure in round two, Delestre and Golden Boy DK paired with von Eckermann and Steely Dan (Hardrock Z x Cardento), both delivering a double clear. That clinched the team’s second victory of the season by over 10 seconds.

Home heroes Riesenbeck International powered by HorseGym gave the local crowd plenty to cheer about, finishing second with a line-up of Christian Kukuk (GER) on Chageorge (Chacco-Blue x Sanvaro), Maximilian Weishaupt (GER) on Kokomo B (Kannan x Lord Quidam) and Emanuele Camilli (ITA) aboard Chacco’s Girlstar (Chacco-Blue x Sandro Boy). Both Kukuk and Weishaupt produced clears in round two, raising the bar but ultimately just missing out on the top step of the podium.

The ever-consistent Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team rounded out the podium in third. Fielding only two riders, Fernando Martinez Sommer (MEX) on Joep (Otangelo x Kojak) and Lady van de Haarterhoeve (Casall x Clarimo) together with Niels Bruynseels (BEL) aboard Origi vd Vosberg (Echo van’T Spieveld) and Q-Sander vd Vosberg (Kassander van’T Roosakker x Clinton) punched well above their weight, keeping cool under pressure to secure another strong finish.

“Having spent 13 years here it really feels like coming home,” Henrik von Eckermann said. “We rode like we normally do, and with it being a naturally flowing course, it worked in our favour. I want to ride in a way that keeps the motion going, it makes it easier for the horses to jump these big fences. It’s not about riding fast, it’s about having the nice balance and rhythm for the first jump to the last. This is my philosophy with it and today it worked well!”

With the team’s eyes set firmly on the GCL Super Cup at the GC Prague Playoffs, and a potential top four fast track into the Semi Final, Delestre added: “Everything is possible! After a bit of bad luck this year, we hope our luck has changed and we are still fighting for something great.”

In the overall GCL ranking, Valkenswaard United remain out in front on 231 points, but their margin is shrinking. Shanghai Swans keep hold of second on 218 points, while Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames are breathing down their necks in third on 217 points. The Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team sit firmly in the hunt with 193 points, keeping the top four locked in an intense battle heading into the final stages of the season.