Interestingly all the teams made horse or rider changes apart from the Doha Falcons opting to stay with their power pair of Michael Pender with HHS Calais and Julien Anquetin on Blood Diamond du Pont. Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland were the only team to come out of round 1 on a clean sheet, but with four teams on just four faults and three teams with only two rails down, anything was to play for.
The synergy among the team riders and managers was evident as they communicated seamlessly, adjusting their strategies in real-time to tackle the challenges presented by the course. This cohesion not only highlighted their individual talents but also underscored the power of teamwork in achieving sporting greatness.
There was disappointment for the Rome Gladiators powered by ClipMyHorse.TV and Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian team, with both teams dropping down the order after uncharacteristically big scores.
The poles kept falling, widening the gap for the last few teams to give it a go. It was a gut wrenching second to last fence down for Madrid In Motion’s Maikel van der Vleuten and Elwikke, but they were still in the race as Irishman Mark McAuley and GRS Lady Amaro came home clear
and fast leaving the squad on 8 faults in 152.18 seconds.
Riding on home turf the whole support crew was out for current Championship leaders Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames. Fresh from their win in St Tropez last week they were aiming to extend their championship lead while competing in front of team owner Deborah Mayer. U25 rider Sophie Hinners was so close to a double clear on Iron Dames Singclair, however a cheap rail added 4 to their total. Team anchor Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann riding Messi van 't Ruytershof produced the goods as the crowd erupted to their clear round, but the team was left waiting to see if they could make it onto the podium
with 8 faults in 156.66 seconds.
The dream team Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses pulled out the big guns in round two making tactical horse and rider changes. Malin Baryard-Johnsson and H&M Indiana stepped up first to produce a lightning fast clear. Keeping calm under pressure Nicola Philippaerts rode a foot perfect round on Katanga v/h
Dingeshof to stop the clock as the only team under 150 seconds. Therefore, the Hearts stayed on their single rail from round 1 and left the rest of the field chasing them down on time.
The thrilling atmosphere reached its peak during the final rounds, when Stockholm Hearts faced formidable competitors. However, their unwavering teamwork and strategic insights set them apart. By leveraging their combined strengths and maintaining an unbreakable rhythm, the team delivered.
Luck wasn’t on New York Empire powered by Lugano Diamonds’ side coming into round 2 on four faults they were brought up to 8 faults as the final fence fell for Denis Lynch and Cordial. Scott Brash also didn’t go as fast as he normally does with Hello Jefferson, but was clear to keep New York Empire as the slowest team on eight faults.
The final team to go, Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland, had a fence in hand. Young talent Philipp Schulze Topphoff had an early fault on Carla NRW putting them on the same score as Stockholm Hearts so he immediately picked up the pace. But it was too risky and another fence fell handing the win to the Hearts. Christian Kukuk was fighting to keep the team in second so put the pedal to the metal on Mumbai finishing with a quick clear and just under a second faster than Madrid In Motion.
GCL now heads to the capital of France, Paris from 21 - 23 June where it will be a battle of the best at the mid-way stage of the season, and crucially the second to last event before the mid-season transfers.
