A Coruña, a picturesque coastal city in Spain, was electrified today with equestrian excitement as it played host to the thrilling and crucial tenth stage of the 2023 GCL team series. It was Ben Maher with Ginger Blue and Harrie Smolders on consistent Monaco who leaped to the top of GCL A Coruña presented by CaixaBankas as the only double clear of the day.
Scandinavian Vikings duo of World Number One Henrik von Eckermann on King Edward and Richard Howley with Consulent de Prelet Z picked up another second place finishing as the fastest team on four faults. Championship leaders Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland Equestrian once again picked up valuable ranking points taking another podium in third ahead of their home event next weekend.
With just thirty points separating today’s winners, Paris Panthers, and current Championship leaders, Riesenbeck International, Harrie Smolders spoke of what it will take to close that gap even further. “We closed the gap a little bit today, but Riesenbeck [International] are still quite far ahead I think - they’re also really focused on the overall [Championship win], and are always putting forward their best horses in the GCL competition. Nevertheless, you never know in our sport, they could have a bad run.”
Speaking of the team looking to pounce on a higher Championship standing, Ben Maher alluded to the move they’re looking to make in the next stages of the GCL championship race. “We have the horses and we have the riders, just we need everything to go right at the right time - that’s the sport, and sometimes you have a tough week which has been pretty damaging for us once or twice. We are on the way back, there’s a few legs left and we have a lot of horses, and riders with a lot of horses to choose from, so hopefully we can come strong at the end,” he said.
2023 GCL Championship Standings after Stage 10:
Riesenbeck International: 234
Paris Panthers: 204
Madrid In Motion: 188
St Tropez Pirates: 166
The scenic backdrop of A Coruña's sprawling coastline served as an idyllic setting for this crucial stage of the GCL series. The city's equestrian enthusiasts and international spectators eagerly gathered at the state-of-the-art showgrounds, buzzing with anticipation. With a reputation for hosting top-tier equestrian events, A Coruña was prepared to witness the fierce competition among the world's best riders and horses in the ultimate team challenge.