Riesenbeck International finally secure first GCL win of the season in Valkenswaard to close Championship gap

The Longines Tops International Arena buzzed with excitement as spectators gathered to witness the thrilling action of the GCL in Valkenswaard. Amidst an electric atmosphere that captivated both seasoned fans and newcomers alike, reigning GCL Champions Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland Equestrian claimed top honours for the first time this season. Sticking to their usual team tactics Philipp Weishaupt aboard Coby 8 and Philipp Schulze Topphoff with Carla NRW were the only two riders to deliver a clean sheet over the two rounds. 

The crowds filled the stands as the GCL of Valkenswaard kicked off and teams went head-to-head in the stunning grass arena at the Longines Tops International Arena. New York Empire powered by Lugano Diamonds couldn’t convert their pole position into a win but with a smooth four faults from Richard Vogel on Cydello and a fast clear round from Scott Brash on Chadora Lady kept them in the race to finish as the fastest on four faults. It was a gut-wrenching final fence down for Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann on Cornela that lost the Championship leaders Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames the win today after a flawless clear from Iron Dames my Prins. 

Talking to GCTV a beaming Weishaupt said: “It’s about time! Last year it was almost normal to win. This year it's been a little rare with the podiums and especially the wins, so we are extremely delighted about the result. This gives us a great boost ahead of Rome in the last chunk of the season! It worked out so many times last year to not change horses and this showed us again that this is a good tactic.” 

With such a strong team of riders to choose from in Riesenbeck International a laughing Philipp Weishaupt went on to add: “I was joking to Philipp earlier in the week, I was saying, we have also Mila and Eoin Mcmahon here and the Olympic champion, Christian Kukuk, and they let us two farmer boys ride the 5* here for the team, isn’t that a bit risky? But we didn’t let ourselves mess up, so thank god it worked out.”

With team manager and owner Ludger Beerbaum watching on from the kiss and cry young gun Philipp Schulze Topphoff smiled: “We had many eyes on us but it is not a reason to be nervous, it’s a good pressure. Now it is time for us to make an impression.” 

In his second place interview Richard Vogel explained: “It was a cool atmosphere. The show facility in general is outstanding, unbelievable. The atmosphere, especially this afternoon, this crowd was right there cheering for everyone but also had our back and that always helps and gives you a better feeling.”

New York Empire’s team anchor Scott Brash added: “I thought both horses jumped fantastic and I thought Richie was very unlucky. But very happy that we got the second and hope we can go one better in one of the last legs. We had a quick chat to just keep it sharp on the time without taking too many risks and it paid off.”

Leading the Championship with just two events to do, U25 talent for the Cannes Stars Sophie Hinners smiled: “It was a fantastic day again for us. We are one big team, one big family, all supporting each other. Of course we have started dreaming, and it would be an amazing achievement for us if we could stay on the top, but we still have to work hard for it, and we just will focus on the next stages. As we always say: step by step.” 

While teammate Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann explained about the Cannes Stars squad and GCL team spirt: “It’s something new in the sport. You have this big group of people but everybody is really like family or close friends that’s really really supportive. And also there is never disappointment. We know everybody tries their very best and if one round would be not perfect, that can happen, but then we come together and try our best next round.” 

The overall Championship drama intensifies after Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland Equestrian won today, bringing their total to 239 points closing the gap on long time leaders Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames on 271 points. After a surprising last place finish in the 13th stage of the season Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses dropped them down to third on 236 points, leaving it a two-team race to Finals. Meanwhile, Doha Falcons cling onto fourth with 219 points with just events of the 2024 season remaining!

There was drama from start to finish in round 1 as the Stal Tops gate near the far end of the arena caught out top combinations but mainly the Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses where both combinations of Jessicia Springsteen and Nicola Philippaerts had a refusal causing them to collect a large number of faults and crushing their dream of winning the Championship this year. 

The Prague Lions powered by the Czech Equestrian Team started Round 1 with a bang. The team came flying into the ring, eager to defend last year’s victory here in Valkenswaard. Fernando Martinez Sommer delivered a quick round with his mount Lady van de Haarterhoeve, with just four faults on course. Next up was teammate Pieter Devos riding Jarina J. Devos posted a flawless round for the team, coming home clear and ultimately securing fifth place in round one.

The Mexico Amigos got the party started as Carlos Hank Guerreiro and Francesco Turturiello rode into the arena. Carlos Hank Guerreiro rode first for the team aboard H5 Origi Horta. Guerreiro soared across the grass, delivering a clear for the team. Francesco Turturiello was second to go. Turturiello made quick work of the course aboard Jackal, but acquired four faults on the final fence. However, their time was fast enough, and the team overtook the Prague Lions, securing fourth place in round one.

After Round 1, three teams remained on a clean sheet of Riesenbeck International, Cannes Stars and New York Empire, thanks to Uliano Vizzani’s well-designed 1.55m course in the expansive grass arena. However, with everything still at stake in Round 2 and three teams with just a single rail down, the 1.60m course proved far more challenging, catching out some of the sport's biggest names. 

Rome Gladiators powered by ClipMyHorse.TV were the first team to produce a double clear in round two with Lorenzo de Luca and Kyle Timm staying on their score of 12 from the first round but crucially proving it was doable for the rest of the teams to come.  

Home team Valkenswaard United entered the arena to a huge cheer from local fans. Riding her top mount Fellow Castlefield, Edwina Tops-Alexander mastered the first two combinations without any problems. Making it look easy as she came to the last fence the crowd was already cheering until the pole fell and the hearts of everyone at Longines Tops International Arena sank. Pulling big gun Marcus Ehning off the bench for round 2, Marcus knew he had to go clear to keep the team in contention. Coolio 42 cruises with ease around the testing track with the lightest of touches at the last fence but it stayed up and the grandstand erupted leaving the team on 12 faults but crucially slower than the Rome Gladiators. 

After a disappointing finish in London last week Madrid In Motion stepped up the game again. Fielding Manuel Fernandez Saro on Ezilis du Mesnil to go first they mastered the course handing over to Mark McAuley still on just the four faults from round 1. McAuley had a small rub coming into the combination but it stayed up and he pulled off a clear round at a steady pace to put the team into the lead for now. But their combined time eventually left them just off the podium in fourth place. 

The first of the three teams on a clear sheet reigning GCL Champions, Riesenbeck Internationalpowered by Kingsland Equestrian. As the only team to not make any changes to their line up for round 2 their famous tactic paid off once again. Philipp Weishaupt aboard Coby 8 and Philipp Schulze Topphoff with Carla NRW rode foot perfect double clears and soared into the lead with two teams to go…

Championship leaders Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames had eyes on their 6th win of the season and extending their championship lead putting forward their strongest combinations. Sophie Hinners and Iron Dames my Prins held their never producing a clear. It looked as if dreams were about to come true until the final fence fell for Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann onboard Cornela and their slow time meant they had left the door open for New York Empire. 

The pressure was on last to go New York Empire powered by Lugano Diamonds. Not being able to make one mistake if they wanted to win, Richard Vogel was taking every fence with huge caution on Cydello. But mid course a back rail came tumbling down handing the win to Riesenbeck International immediately and leaving Scott Brash to jump for second place. Know as the iceman Brash proved once again why he goes last, delivering a flawless clear on Chadora Lady stopping the clock over 3 seconds faster than the Cannes Stars to secure silver today. 

As the sun set over the picturesque Longines Tops International Arena the party started with the music pumping and live entertainment spectators and competitors were treated to an unforgettable day. Now, the Championship race moves on to Rome, where the excitement will continue from August 30 - September 1 2024.