In a competition bursting with drama, pressure and championship-defining performances, Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team completed the podium in third, keeping themselves in the title fight as the season hurtles towards its grand finale. But while New York Empire stole the show with a flawless performance, the biggest championship storyline was unfolding just behind them. Riesenbeck International now hold a commanding 45-point advantage at the top of the standings and could be crowned 2026 GCL Champions at the very next stage in Cairo.

With just two stages remaining, the stakes could hardly be higher. New York Empire are closing in on Istanbul Warriors for second place, Riesenbeck have one hand on the championship trophy, and the battle for every remaining point is reaching fever pitch.

A foot perfect performance for New York Empire at a crucial stage of the Championship race, Denis Lynch reflected on the top four standings, he said, “As a team we agreed that it was our goal for the season, and we are absolutely delighted that we are heading along the right path. I must say thanks to my teammates, all our horses and staff, and of course and a big thanks again to our team owner, Georgina Bloomberg, for her continued trust in the team.”

Bertram smiled: “What a great day for New York Empire. Winning in Rome is always special, but to do it with four clear rounds makes it even better. The whole team has done an incredible job, and Denis and Michael really set us up perfectly in the first round, so I knew I just had to go in and finish the job. Pacino Amiro jumped brilliantly, and it's a fantastic feeling to get this result for Georgina and everyone involved. With just two stages left, these points are really valuable. Hopefully we can carry this momentum into Cairo and finish the season on a high.”

Podium veteran Marco Kutscher spoke of the Championship leading team’s focus on the season-long Championship at hand, he said, “We talk about it, and we talk about it a lot. It is a big focus of our whole team.”

Teammate Philipp Weishaupt added, “We’re really happy with second place today. As Marco said, at this stage of the season it’s all about the Championship, and these points are incredibly important for us. There are still two stages to go and we know anything can happen, so we have to stay focused.” 

With the Championship front of mind, Istanbul Warriors have their sights set on what’s ahead in Cairo. Simon Delestre commented, “Abdel and I are going to fight strong to save the second place and do our best to overtake Riesenbeck!!

As for today’s performance? Abdel sung the praises of their horses, not denying a podium finish at this stage of the season being a solid feat! He said, “I can only look at our own performance, I am very happy with both my horses, and riding with Simon who is a very strong rider and performer - he turns things around and goes on to win the individual round… that’s the sport and that’s why we love it!”

Championship Battle: Riesenbeck Could Be Crowned Champions in Cairo
Forget waiting until Rabat. The 2026 GCL Championship could be decided at the Pyramids of Giza in just two weeks' time. Following another outstanding performance in Rome, Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym have extended their championship lead to a formidable 45 points, sitting on 267 points with just two stages remaining.

GCL Championship Standings – After Stage 13, Rome
Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym – 267 points
Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team – 222 points
New York Empire powered by Lugano – 215 points
Basel Cosmopolitans powered by Les Trois Rois – 203 points
Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team – 195 points

The Cairo Championship Equation: A Top-Six Finish Could Seal the Title
The mathematics are now firmly in Riesenbeck International's favour. With a maximum of 30 points available at each of the final two stages, a sixth-place finish or better in Cairo will guarantee Riesenbeck International the 2026 GCL Championship title, regardless of where any of their rivals finish.

Even if Istanbul Warriors win in Cairo and collect the maximum 30 points, Riesenbeck can still secure the championship with sixth place or better.The message is simple: Riesenbeck International have the championship in their own hands. But the pressure of being within touching distance of a title can be just as intense as the chase itself. One costly round in Cairo could leave the door open for Istanbul Warriors or New York Empire to take the championship fight all the way to Rabat. And with New York Empire arriving in Egypt fresh from their dominant victory in Rome, neither challenger will be ready to concede just yet.
 
Round 1: Championship Contenders Survive as Rome Claims Its Victims
If there was ever a reminder that nothing comes easily in the GCL, Round 1 in Rome delivered it. With the pressure mounting and only the top ten teams progressing to Round 2, the opening battle proved ruthless.

New York Empire powered by Lugano were the only team to finish Round 1 on zero faults, courtesy of brilliant clears from Denis Lynch and Michael Pender. The pair set the benchmark and immediately established themselves as the team to beat. Behind them, the championship leaders were not having everything their own way. Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym saw Philipp Weishaupt collect four faults aboard Oreo D.R., but a clear from Marco Kutscher and PIK EUR Lemar NRW kept them firmly in contention.

For Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team, Abdel Saïd delivered a crucial clear with Wathnan Quaker Brimbelles Z, but eight faults for Simon Delestre and Gatsby du Tillard left the team with work to do. Basel Cosmopolitans powered by Les Trois Rois also kept themselves in the mix, with Olivier Philippaerts producing a vital clear aboard Miro. But further down the order, the drama was unfolding fast.

Valkenswaard United, featuring Edwina Tops-Alexander and Hans-Dieter Dreher, finished Round 1 on 12 faults, ending their hopes of progressing. Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames also found themselves on the wrong side of the cut, while Madrid in Motion suffered the same fate. The home crowd were left disappointed as Rome Gladiators powered by Cavalleria Toscana endured a difficult opening round, with Clara Pezzoli and Guido Grimaldi collecting 20 faults between them. For Monaco Aces, 24 faults ended their afternoon early, while Cairo Pharaohs suffered the toughest round of all, finishing on 40 faults.

Round 2: Four Clears, One Winner and a Championship Battle on the Edge
The second round was where the real business began. With just ten teams remaining and the championship entering its final stretch, there was no room for error. Every rail carried consequences, every clear round mattered, and every position gained could prove decisive come Rabat.

New York Empire powered by Lugano were simply untouchable. With the pressure on, Denis Lynch and Chicago delivered the goods before Bertram Allen and Pacino Amiro finished the job in style. Their double clear in Round 2 secured a perfect zero-fault team total and the top step of the podium. Behind them, Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym demonstrated exactly why they lead the championship. Marco Kutscher and PIK EUR Lemar NRW produced their second clear of the day, while Philipp Weishaupt and Callao L ensured the team added nothing to their opening four faults. Second place, 25 points and another significant step towards the championship crown.

Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team were equally determined not to let their rivals escape. Simon Delestre and Gatsby du Tillard bounced back from their opening-round faults with a clear, before Abdel Saïd and Wathnan Calvaro followed suit. Their eight-fault total secured third place, keeping them second in the championship.

But the drama did not stop at the podium.

Basel Cosmopolitans powered by Les Trois Rois continued their consistent campaign with fourth place. Harry Allen and Edison de Hus delivered a clear, while Zascha Nygaard and Com'on Drako de Maugre matched him to keep the team on eight faults overall. The result secured 19 championship points and kept Basel firmly in the top-four fight. Riyadh Knights claimed fifth place following a strong second-round comeback. Emanuele Gaudiano and Esteban de Hus picked up four faults, but Gudrun Patteet and Baron - RR Z produced a clear to finish the competition on 12 faults.

For Shanghai Swans, it was a more frustrating afternoon. Christian Ahlmann and Jane Richard returned for Round 2, but both collected four faults aboard Diamantino and Molly Malone Z respectively. Their 12-fault total was enough for sixth place, ahead of Mexico Amigos on time. Mexico Amigos took seventh, with Eduardo Menezes and Kendra Claricia Brinkop returning for the second round. Four faults for Menezes and H5 Ceylon Island, combined with eight for Brinkop and Replay van't Paradijs, left the team on 16 faults overall.

Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team were eighth after an afternoon that demanded a fight to the finish. Pieter Devos produced a clear aboard Jarina J, but eight faults for Niels Bruynseels and Origi vd Vosberg left the team on 16 faults, narrowly behind Mexico Amigos on time. For St Tropez Pirates, it was ninth place after a challenging second round. Antonia Pettersson Häggström delivered a clear aboard Hermes de Chap, but 12 faults for Nadja Peter Steiner and Quarantinette vt Hazelarenhoekje left the team on 16 faults overall.

Completing the top ten were Doha Falcons, with Sanne Thijssen and Nathan Budd taking on Round 2. Despite a clear opening round from Caroline Rehoff Pedersen, the team ultimately finished on 20 faults after Thijssen collected 12 and Budd four in the final round. As the final rider crossed the finish line, the championship picture had sharpened.

New York Empire had delivered the performance of the day. Riesenbeck had strengthened their position at the top. Istanbul Warriors had kept themselves in contention. And with only two stages remaining, the margins for error are disappearing fast.From the Eternal City to one of the world's most iconic landmarks, the GCL now heads to Cairo, Egypt, from 22–24 October, for the penultimate stage of the 2026 season. And this time, there could be much more than a stage victory on the line.

Against the extraordinary backdrop of the Pyramids of Giza, Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym will arrive knowing that a top-six finish could see them crowned 2026 GCL Champions with one stage still to spare. Will Riesenbeck make history in the shadow of the Pyramids? Can Istanbul Warriors produce the performance of their season to keep the championship alive? Or will New York Empire turn the tables once again and send the title fight into one final showdown in Rabat?

Two stages remaining. One championship trophy. And the first chance to crown the 2026 GCL Champions is just around the corner. The road to Rabat runs through Cairo. And the Pyramids could witness a championship-defining moment.