GCL lit up Liberty State Park as the championship returned to the city that never sleeps for the first time since 2022. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Hudson River, Manhattan’s iconic skyline and the Statue of Liberty, Stage 12 unfolded under glorious late-summer sunshine, with the very best riders and horses in the world converging on a brand-new venue. The energy of New York coursed through every round and famous faces including Bruce Springsteen and New York Empire team owner Georgina Bloomberg were on hand to witness the drama.
It was an afternoon that embodied everything the GCL stands for – tension, strategy, and sheer brilliance under pressure. With the championship race tightening, and every point carrying critical weight, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation as the teams rode into the ring. The home team, New York Empire powered by Lugano, were roared on by their supporters, while championship leaders Valkenswaard United looked to protect their advantage. Yet as the rails began to fall, the leaderboard shifted in spectacular fashion, setting the stage for a heart-stopping finish.
In the end, it was the Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses who rose to the challenge, brothers Olivier and Nicola Philippaerts holding their nerve when it mattered most and converting their pole position into a win. Their flawless strategy secured the Hearts their first win of the season in unforgettable style. “It’s been a while!” Olivier exclaimed, before adding, “it’s been a bit of a difficult season but we’ve been working towards this and getting some good points as we are heading into Prague!”
As for the location of New York? Nicola said “The view is fantastic, I mean look at the skyline. To be able to ride in this city is incredibly special.”
Madrid in Motion impressed with grit and composure, producing their signature consistency to guarantee themselves a place on the podium and ultimately claim second. Being second last to go gave Madrid in Motion the advantage of knowing exactly what was needed to secure their place on the podium. Manuel said, “It came down to time in the end, we knew what we had to do and we managed to go into second. I was aiming to do a clear round. I’m very happy with the result.”
Riesenbeck International powered by HorseGym, 2023 GCL Championship winners, thrilled the crowd with their trademark fighting spirit, rallying late to secure a hard-earned third place. Max Said: “I’m really pleased with the podium of course, especially since we were also on the podium last week at our home show Riesenbeck. It gives us great points for the overall Championship standings.”
The result leaves the championship race as tight as it has ever been. Valkenswaard United retain their lead on 240 points, but the gap is narrowing fast. Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames are hot on their heels with 234, chasing the title after their 2024 triumph. Shanghai Swans hold third on 218 points, while the Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team are firmly in the hunt in fourth with 200. Riesenbeck International’s second podium in as many weeks has catapulted them into contention, climbing to 190 points and placing them within striking distance of the leaders as the season enters its decisive stages.
The tension had been building from the very first round. Plenty of teams started strong in Round 1, with clear rounds flowing from a field stacked with horsepower. Three teams finished on a clean sheet, Stockholm Hearts, Madrid In Motion and Riesenbeck International but with Prague lions on just a single time fault and three teams on one down it was still all to play for in the second round.
But when the pressure mounted in Round 2, mistakes crept in. For current Championship leaders Valkenswaard United, it was a day to forget, with Marcus Ehning posting a costly 16 penalties in Round 1 and adding eight more in Round 2. Even Gilles Thomas’ flawless double clear could not salvage the team’s challenge. For home team New York Empire, the hope of a fairytale home result slipped away when Trevor Breen and Highland President rolled two rails in Round 2, despite Denis Lynch’s single error in Round 1 keeping them in early contention. However, a lightning fast clear from Scott Brash and Chadora Lady left them just outside the top five overall today.
Meanwhile, the Scandinavian Vikings proved once again that they can fight with the very best, Jur Vrieling producing two immaculate clears, and Neal Fearon adding 9 faults across Round 2, ultimately leaving them just off the podium in fourth place.
With three teams to go, the stage was set for an explosive finale to today’s GCL.
Riesenbeck International powered by HorseGym sent the crowd into raptures with Marco Kutscher’s clear round aboard Aventador Z, though Maximilian Weishaupt and Zuccero HV toppled two late rails that left the door open for rivals. Madrid in Motion then delivered under pressure, a single rail from Eduardo Álvarez Aznar riding Made In't Ruytershof and a slick clear round from Manuel Fernandez Saro on Ezilis Du Mensnil secured a spot on the podium with one team to come.
As Olivier and Nicola Philippaerts rode into the arena for Stockholm Hearts, the weight of expectation was tangible. A rail down for Olivier on H&M Miro meant the margin was razor-thin, and Nicola knew perfection was required. Rising to the moment, Nicola guided his mount through the towering fences without error, crossing the finish line to a roar of applause. The Hearts had sealed it – victory in New York, their first of the season, under the glittering Manhattan skyline.
As night fell and the lights of Manhattan sparkled across the Hudson, Liberty State Park etched its name into the GCL history books. A new venue, a new chapter, but the same unmatched intensity of the world’s best teams battling for supremacy.
The championship now thunders on to Vienna for Stage 13. For the first time, the GCL will descend on the spectacular grounds of Schönbrunn Palace from 26 – 28 September. If New York proved anything, it is that this season still has twists, turns, and triumphs to come.
