As fight for pole position inches closer, tensions and competitive spirit are high heading into the GCL Final for 2022. With over €1.25 million euros in prize money this weekend, riders and teams have brought out the big guns for the last leg of the season. The best of the best horsepower has landed in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh as the hotly contended title gets underway.
The Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses, who currently have their hands on top spot after an impressive display in New York City, are represented this week by the Belgian young-gun Olivier Phillippaerts, and ever consistent Swedish duo Peder Fredricson and Malin Baryard-Johnsson.
With the aim of remaining at the top of the podium and taking the GCL 2022 Crown, the Stockholm Hearts have certainly brought firepower with their equine partners:
Stockholm Hearts
- Olivier Philippaerts - H&M Miro & H&M Legend of Love
- Peder Fredricson - H&M All In & H&M Christian K
- Malin Baryard-Johnsson - H&M Indiana & Harley Davidson
Just when we thought the race to the final podium couldn’t get any closer, just one point behind is the ever-consistent Berlin Eagles powered by Fundis.
Represented by two impressive horsemen in Christian Kukuk and Phillip Weishaupt, and their equally talented equine partners, competition is sure to thrill and provide edge-of-your-seat spectating.
Berlin Eagles
- Philipp Weishaput - Coby B & Asathir
- Christian Kukuk - Mumbai & Nice Van’t Zorgvliet
Eight teams will battle it out in where the past and future of Saudi Arabia collide - Diriyah, just north of the country’s capital, Riyadh, is considered the center of Saudi Arabia’s rich history and a UNESCO heritage site.
Spectator favourites flooded start list
With the impressive start list flooded with spectator favourites, title winners and Olympic medallists, viewers will be treated to more of the best with the likes of Christian Ahlmann’s Dominator 2000 Z and Solid Gold Z, Pieter Devos’ Mom’s Toupie De La Roque, Ben Maher’s Faltic HB and Dennis Lynch’s Brooklyn Heights.
Reigning World Champion, Henrick Von Eckermann aboard his championship mount King Edward will be up against Shane Breen’s 27 Ipswich, Daniel Deusser’s two LGCT Grand Prix winning mounts from Cannes and New York, Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z and Bingo Ste Hermelle, as well as Marcus Ehning and his stable star, Stargold.
Martin Fuchs of Switzerland with his exceptional Leonie Jei are also on the list, kept company by the likes of Mike Kawai’s uber consistent Goldwin, Gregory Wathalet and Nevados S, Jur Veiling with Long John Silver 3, as well as Harrie Smolders and his exciting gelding Monaco.
The action kicks off this afternoon, Thursday 19 October, with the GCL of Riyadh Round 1, at 6:00pm GMT +3. Follow the results here.
Source: Press Release Longines Global Champions Tour
Photo: © GCL
