World number 25 Emanuele Gaudiano and world number 1 Henrik von Eckermann, both showed clear rounds with impressive speed. Gaudiano won this first round in the saddle of the ever-impressive Chalou (by Chacco-Blue). The Italian left behind world number one, von Eckermann. The Swede was one second slower than Gaudiano in the saddle of Dzara Dorchival (by Qlassic Bois Margot). Eric van der Vleuten rode into the arena with Dreamland (by Sunday de Riverland). They jumped the obstacles with great precision and showed a clear round. Although their time of 68.43 seconds was not the fastest, they earned an honorable third place.
Julien Epaillard (FRA) unbeatable in LGCT Grand Prix Qualifier
In the second round, it was Julien Epaillard who provided the fastest chrono early in the class. The Frenchman rode Donatello d'Auge (by Jarnac) clear to the finish in 60.75s. With seven starters to go, Andreas Schou's time with I Know (by Arezzo VDL) was the closest to Epaillard, but even that time was nearly five (!) seconds apart. The world number 2 wasn't planning on letting go of his top position.
TOP FIVE
1. Julien Epaillard (FRA) - Donatello d'Auge (v. Jarnac)
2. Andreas Schou (DEN) - I Know (v. Arezzo VDL)
3. Patrick Stühlmeyer (GER) - Drako de Maugre (v. Kannan)
4. Marlon Modolo Zanotelli (BRA) - Grand Slam (v. Cardento)
4. Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) - King Edward (v. Edward)
German Riesenbeck International wins GCL of Monaco, Smolders at two
In the Global Champions League, Riesenbeck International was unbeatable. Christian Kukuk was the team's strongman with a clear round on both Just Be Gentle (by Tyson) and Mumbai (by Diamant de Semilly). Only Patrick Stühlmeyer's four penalties on Drako de Maugre (by Kannan) from the first round were charged.
Paris Panthers took the silver. Harrie Smolders' beam in the second round with Monaco NOP (by Cassini II) was the only thing charged to this duo as well, bringing them to four as well. Together with Ioli Mytilineou, who did not make a single fault, they came in at two.
Rome Gladiators came in on bronze. Shane Breen had a jumping fault in both the first and second rounds on Haya (by Mylord Carthago), while Jérôme Guery remained clear with Cristel (by Diamant de Semilly) as did Michael Duffy who also had no fault on Cinca (by Casall).