Valkenswaard United’s formidable duo of John Whitaker (GBR) and Bertram Allen (IRL) rocketed up the Global Champions League team rankings after a stunning win today in Hamburg. This was the first time two teams finished on a score of zero and the temperature rose as the riders’ combined time came into play to determine the final order providing a fascinating nail-biting finish to the 1.55m two round competition. Valkenswaard United now sit on 130 points overall, with Monaco Aces on 119 points and Antwerp Diamonds close behind on 116 points overall.
Bertram Allen and Romanov. GCL/Stefano Grasso
A third of the way through the season and the stakes have been raised with team rivalry growing ever stronger. Today’s winner John Whitaker threw down the gauntlet to the other teams, stating: “We’re a good team and we’re going to keep the pressure on!”
GCL/Stefano Grasso
The level of competition has moved up a gear, with riders consistently bringing top horses in the new team competition format. This weekend Bertram Allen brought his 2015 LGCT Grand Prix of Paris winning horse, the experienced 18 year old chestnut Romanov, specifically for this event. In the press conference following his win, he spoke about the high calibre of competition on the League, saying: “I knew I had to bring a good horse. I brought [Romanov] here for one class and he delivered, so it worked a treat for me.”
Twelve teams lined up for the second European leg of the Championship, as eager fans packed the arena to catch their first up close glimpse of the bright coloured shirts and revolutionary new format. During the day VIPs and guests, including record-breaking tennis ace Steffi Graf attended the event. As the teams took to the arena, thousands cheered on the teams, dancing to the individual theme tunes and clapping along as the riders entered the ring. The first round course turned into a game of speed as riders from the majority of the team riders went clear. Four faults caused serious drops in the order, and with three teams – Valkenswaard United, Paris Jets and Antwerp Diamonds – on zero faults, the pressure was on as eight teams progressed to round two.
Monaco Aces’ Daniel Bluman on Conconcreto Apardi. GCL/Stefano Grasso
Miami Glory, Madrid in Motion, Doha Fursan Qatar and last weekend’s winners the Cacais Charms were those who suffered the most, dropping out of the qualifying zone and unable to progress through to round two.
The Monaco Aces were first to go, with four faults and the slowest time in round one putting them lowest in the order. However a stunning double clear in an impressive time from Daniel Bluman and Conconcreto Apardi, and a speedy second round from Schuyler Riley with Dobra de Porceyo placed them high up the grid, ultimately finishing in fourth. Marlon Módolo Zanotelli was first in for the Rome Gladiators, with Valetto JX, and delivered a fast clear round. Laura Kraut delivered a careful double clear with her relatively young grey gelding Confu, pushing the team up to third overall.
Antwerp Diamonds combination of Audrey Coulter with Alex and Harrie Smolders with Bokai jumped double clear, finishing on a combined time of 153.92s. Harrie has been the most consistent rider on the League so far, jumping every round he’s competed in clear with the beautiful grey horse.
Antwerp Diamonds’ Audrey Coulter on Alex. GCL/Stefano Grasso
Bertram Allen knew he had everything to do as the final rider who could change the top podium position. With a full six seconds to make up, and the pressure of jumping clear, Bertram took on the challenge, and in typical style stole the show with a phenomenal round on his horse Romanov. The pair finished in a combined 150.29s, taking the gold medal for the Global Champions League of Hamburg.
The League now turns to Madrid, where home team Madrid in Motion will be looking for a strong result on home turf.