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

The fight for the 2026 GCL took another dramatic turn in Ramatuelle, St. Tropez as Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym delivered a statement victory, as the fastest team to finish on 8 faults snatching the win after two intense rounds of jumping.

With pressure mounting at the halfway point of the season, Ciaran Nallon (IRL) aboard Casalla Blue PS (Casallco x Chacco-Blue) and Christian Kukuk (GER) with Checker 47 (Comme Il Faut x Come On) delivered when it mattered most, climbing from fourth after round one to claim victory in spectacular fashion and secure maximum points.

The ever-consistent Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team continued their impressive campaign to finish second. A crucial double clear from Thibeau Spits (BEL) and Impress-K van't Kattenheye Z (Indoktro K van’T Kattenheye x Vagabod de La Pomme), combined with Niels Bruynseels' (BEL) second-round clear aboard Chacco's Lando OL (Chacco-Blue x Lando), saw them finish just over three seconds adrift of the winners.

Completing the podium were the fast-rising Mexico Amigos, with Zoe Hank Conter (BEL) and Loui LN (Kannan x Cartani) and Eduardo Pereira de Menezes (BRA) aboard H5 Kontador VDM (Eldorado vd Zeshoek x For Pleasure) delivering two crucial clears in round two to leap up the leaderboard and secure third place.

Reflecting on Riesenbeck International's remarkable comeback after round one, Christian Kukuk revealed he never lost belief in the team's chance. He said; "Even after the first round, I had a good feeling. Ciaran had a really, really great round and, to be honest, I was also happy with my round despite the two down because Checker felt very good."

Kukuk was full of praise for teammate Ciaran Nallon, whose performances with Casalla Blue PS proved instrumental in securing victory. He added, "Kieran did a great round again. His performance was outstanding today.”

The win marked Riesenbeck International's first GCL triumph of the 2026 season, with Kukuk hoping it signals a shift in momentum. "We're super, super happy to be on top of the podium. It's the first time this year. We've had a rough season until now, but hopefully this is kind of a turnaround."

Reflecting on Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team's impressive form this season, Niels Bruynseels credited the depth and spirit within the squad, saying: "We are really happy. Last year we were always chasing points to get into those top four spots, which is very important. This year we have some very good horses, the team spirit is good and everything is going well."

With the GCL season entering a crucial phase, Thibeau Spits emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum through an intense summer schedule. "We've been on the road for three consecutive weeks and we just have to keep delivering,” he sais. “Next week it's Paris, then Monaco, then Riesenbeck. All these shows are important."

Despite another strong result, Spits insisted the team's focus remains firmly on consistency. "We just have to keep the consistency. Every show is important. Keep delivering every weekend."

Reflecting on Mexico Amigos' first podium finish of the season, Zoe Conter praised both her horse's determination and the team's perseverance throughout the campaign. "He was fighting for me all the way through. It was a great feeling, especially because it was such a difficult course. It gives you extra satisfaction when everything comes together. We keep getting hungrier. We have good horses and good riders, so eventually it had to come together."

GCL standings after stage 6

1. Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team – 114 points

2. Riesenbeck International powered by HorseGym – 101 points

3. Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem – 98 points

4. Basel Cosmopolitans powered by Les Trois Rois – 98 points

5. New York Empire powered by Lugano – 94 points

6. Monaco Aces – 92 points