The excitement is palpable at the Global Champions Playoffs in Prague. The opening CSI5* competition saw an intense battle over the 1.45 m course. But it was home rider Ales Opatrny who took the win in front of the home crown
The fastest clear round of the day belonged to Czech rider Ales Opatrny on his 10-year-old KWPN gelding, Kapsones W (Cornet Obolensky). Opatrny thrilled the home crowd by clocking an impressive time of 52.90 seconds, securing the 10.000,00 EUR prize money and a commanding start to the competition.
A very close second place was claimed by Great Britain's Ben Maher. Riding his 11-year-old gelding Enjeu de Grisien (Toulon), Maher stopped the clock at 54.80 seconds, just under two seconds shy of the leader, maintaining a faultless score.
Filling the third position was Spain's Eduardo Alvarez Aznar. Aboard the 9-year-old BWP mare Qevita vd Bisschop (Vigo d'Arsouilles), he navigated the course cleanly in a time of 55.70 seconds.
Israeli rider Yali Kass and Luna van't Ruytershof Z (Levisto Z) secured the fourth spot. Their clear performance was achieved in 56.12 seconds, collecting. Rounding out the top five was Austria's Max Kühner. Partnered with EIC Cooley Jump the Q (Pacino), Kühner finished the course without fault in 56.20 seconds.