The battle for a spot in the final of the Global Champions League (GCL) Super Cup in Riyadh reached a climax during the semifinals. The challenging CSI5* course at 1m60 height put riders and horses to the test, as 12 teams gave everything for one of the six coveted final spots. The Shanghai Swans dominated with a strong result.
With flawless rounds, exciting time differentials and unexpected twists and turns, the Shanghai Swans managed to qualify top with conviction. They will be joined in the final by Riesenbeck International, Stockholm Hearts, Prague Lions, Scandinavian Vikings and Cannes Stars. Ben Maher (GBR) with Point Break (Action-Breaker) and Daniel Deusser (GER) with Killer Queen VDM (Eldorado vd Zeshoek) were the strong-holders, making Christian Ahlmann's (GER) jumping error on Mandato van de Neerheide (Emerald) trivial. Yesterday the trio still had a completely clean sheet, which is unseen in this circuit.
“They all delivered,” Max Kühner said afterwards. “I'd rather be in the saddle myself than watch from the sidelines, but this was a joy to watch.”
The reigning champions Riesenbeck International once again proved their class. Christian Kukuk (GER), the 2024 Olympic champion, rode a flawless round with the inexperienced Chageorge (Chacco-Blue), while Philipp Schulze Topphoff (GER) with Carla NRW (Comme il Faut) and Eoin McMahon (IRL) also rode strong rides. McMahon and his mare Mila (Monte Bellini), who has just returned after an injury, managed to stay clear despite a tense moment at the penultimate obstacle. For Kukuk's Chageorge, it was his debut at 1m60 level, having only experience at 1m55 height.
For the first time, the Stockholm Hearts qualified for the Super Cup final. Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) came to the start with 9-year-old Poppemieke JW van de Moerhoeve (Vigo d'Arsouilles), a mare with only a handful of experience at this level. The pair finished with only one jumping fault. Julien Epaillard (FRA) set the tone in the saddle of Donatello d'Auge (Jarnac) with a clear ride and a fast time, while Malin Baryard-Johnsson (SWE) and H&M Indiana (Kashmir van Schuttershof) also made a solid contribution despite a fault. With excellent strategy and teamwork, they finished third.
Nicola Philippaerts emphasized the partnership: “We gave everything. Now we have to make a good plan for the final. With two horses also in the LGCT Super Grand Prix, it will be waiting to see how we will approach it.”
The Prague Lions started with Niels Bruynseels (BEL) and a somewhat tense Origi vd Vosberg (Echo van't Spieveld). He gave confidence with his legs and with success, they secured the clear round. Fellow countryman Thibeau Spits (BEL) counted on King Van Essene. The son of Calido I had not yet managed to deliver a single clear result, with few courses on his record. Thanks to the clear ride of Fernando Martinez Sommer and Lady van de Haarterhoeve (Casall), Spits could afford two jumping faults.
With Sophie Hinners (GER), recently named GCL Rider of the Year, as the star performer with a clear round for Iron Dames Singclair (Singular Ls La Silla), the Cannes Stars made a surprising comeback. Hinners stayed clear, while Katrin Eckermann (GER), last at the start with Iron Dames Cala Mandia NRW (Capistrano) narrowly trailed Valkenswaard United by a bar. The team, complete with a round from Natalie Dean (USA) and Acota M (Toulon) secured the final final spot with a difference of just 2.46 seconds.
Final awaits
The six qualified teams now prepare for the grand final, where they will start in reverse order. Shanghai Swans, as semifinal winners, will start last. All eyes are on Saturday, where not only the Super Cup final but also the individual Super Grand Prix is on the program.
With flawless rounds, exciting time differentials and unexpected twists and turns, the Shanghai Swans managed to qualify top with conviction. They will be joined in the final by Riesenbeck International, Stockholm Hearts, Prague Lions, Scandinavian Vikings and Cannes Stars. Ben Maher (GBR) with Point Break (Action-Breaker) and Daniel Deusser (GER) with Killer Queen VDM (Eldorado vd Zeshoek) were the strong-holders, making Christian Ahlmann's (GER) jumping error on Mandato van de Neerheide (Emerald) trivial. Yesterday the trio still had a completely clean sheet, which is unseen in this circuit.
“They all delivered,” Max Kühner said afterwards. “I'd rather be in the saddle myself than watch from the sidelines, but this was a joy to watch.”
The reigning champions Riesenbeck International once again proved their class. Christian Kukuk (GER), the 2024 Olympic champion, rode a flawless round with the inexperienced Chageorge (Chacco-Blue), while Philipp Schulze Topphoff (GER) with Carla NRW (Comme il Faut) and Eoin McMahon (IRL) also rode strong rides. McMahon and his mare Mila (Monte Bellini), who has just returned after an injury, managed to stay clear despite a tense moment at the penultimate obstacle. For Kukuk's Chageorge, it was his debut at 1m60 level, having only experience at 1m55 height.
For the first time, the Stockholm Hearts qualified for the Super Cup final. Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) came to the start with 9-year-old Poppemieke JW van de Moerhoeve (Vigo d'Arsouilles), a mare with only a handful of experience at this level. The pair finished with only one jumping fault. Julien Epaillard (FRA) set the tone in the saddle of Donatello d'Auge (Jarnac) with a clear ride and a fast time, while Malin Baryard-Johnsson (SWE) and H&M Indiana (Kashmir van Schuttershof) also made a solid contribution despite a fault. With excellent strategy and teamwork, they finished third.
Nicola Philippaerts emphasized the partnership: “We gave everything. Now we have to make a good plan for the final. With two horses also in the LGCT Super Grand Prix, it will be waiting to see how we will approach it.”
The Prague Lions started with Niels Bruynseels (BEL) and a somewhat tense Origi vd Vosberg (Echo van't Spieveld). He gave confidence with his legs and with success, they secured the clear round. Fellow countryman Thibeau Spits (BEL) counted on King Van Essene. The son of Calido I had not yet managed to deliver a single clear result, with few courses on his record. Thanks to the clear ride of Fernando Martinez Sommer and Lady van de Haarterhoeve (Casall), Spits could afford two jumping faults.
With Sophie Hinners (GER), recently named GCL Rider of the Year, as the star performer with a clear round for Iron Dames Singclair (Singular Ls La Silla), the Cannes Stars made a surprising comeback. Hinners stayed clear, while Katrin Eckermann (GER), last at the start with Iron Dames Cala Mandia NRW (Capistrano) narrowly trailed Valkenswaard United by a bar. The team, complete with a round from Natalie Dean (USA) and Acota M (Toulon) secured the final final spot with a difference of just 2.46 seconds.
Final awaits
The six qualified teams now prepare for the grand final, where they will start in reverse order. Shanghai Swans, as semifinal winners, will start last. All eyes are on Saturday, where not only the Super Cup final but also the individual Super Grand Prix is on the program.