The world's best riders gathered in the iconic setting of New York for the first round of the GCL. With fast jump-offs, clear rounds and small differences on the clock, the tension remained high until the very end.
The victory went to Nicola Philippaerts with his nine-year-old gelding H&M Que Sera (By Cera d'Ick). Their lightning-fast and flawless round in 58.02 seconds proved unbeatable and earned Nicola first place and loud applause from the American audience.
Second place went to his compatriot Grégory Wathelet with Argentina de la Marchette (Acajou de la Marchette). This combination also remained faultless and clocked in at 60.00 seconds, just a fraction slower than Philippaerts. With his own breeding product, Wathelet once again confirmed his top form.
The Belgian success was completed by Gilles Thomas, who also remained faultless with Luna van het Dennehof (Prince van de wolfsakker) and took third place in 60.33 seconds.
Fourth place went to Egypt's Nayel Nassar with Ivory TCS (Falaise de muze), who remained faultless in 60.49 seconds.
Denmark's Caroline Rehoff Pedersen finished fifth with the twelve-year-old Hanoverian Chaccball (Chacco-Blue). Their flawless round in 61.14 seconds completed the international picture.
