What a finish in Riesenbeck! The second round of the GCL Second Competition delivered top-class sport, with the Basel Cosmopolitans producing two flawless rounds to secure victory. The Istanbul Warriors held on to second place, while the Doha Falcons fought back strongly to claim the final podium spot.
The Basel Cosmopolitans powered by Les Trois Rois made the most of their opportunity in the decisive round. Nicola Philippaerts and Gadget Mouche (Andiamo Semilly) had already laid the foundations in the opening round, before Marlon Modolo Zanotelli guided Ilex (Baltic VDL) to a clear in 70.47 seconds and Zascha Nygaard followed with another faultless performance aboard Com'On Drako de Maugre (Kannan) in 74.23 seconds. The team finished on a total of eight penalties in a combined time of 144.70 seconds to secure the victory.
The Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team claimed second place. Abdel Saïd laid the foundations with Wathnan Bonne Amie (A Big Boy) in the opening round before returning with Wathnan Max (Grandorado TN) in round two, while Henrik von Eckermann partnered Qasirah van de Reistenhoek (Emerald) throughout the competition. Despite both combinations adding four penalties in the decisive round, the team held on to second place on a total of eight penalties in a combined time of 151.43 seconds.
The Doha Falcons completed the podium on 14 penalties with a combined time of 158.62 seconds. Sanne Thijssen produced a clear aboard Joviality (Warrant), while Caroline Rehoff Pedersen and Polonis L (Le Blue Diamond van't Ruytershof) added ten penalties in the second round. Oliver Lazarus and Conbalthago PS (Contendros) had contributed four penalties in the opening round, helping the team secure third place overall.
