Kent Farrington and Creedance. PC: Stefano Grasso/GCL
In an incredible turn of events, London Knights’ Kent Farrington and teammate Ben Maher overtook leading team Valkenswaard United in a dramatic upset in the Global Champions League Final. After only two events, the fight for the coveted title is already super competitive and tactical with team riders and trainers strategizing to get an early advantage in the championship.
Talking about the GCL and the new format, top American rider and World No2 Kent said: “I think it’s really exciting what Jan is doing for the sport – he started the Global Champions Tour [12] years ago, and it’s been evolving ever since. I think the team competition is the latest evolution of his vision for big sport. We can already see big changes from last year – I’m really excited to be a part of it and it’s a great way to showcase our sport here in Miami Beach.”
Speaking from the live GCL TV studio Shanghai Swans team rider Jessica Springsteen said of the event: “It is amazing jumping here on the beach and riding here in the morning at sunrise. The new Global Champions League format is fantastic, it is more exciting and really fun.”
Valkenswaard United looked set to continue their Championship reign as they headed to the final at Miami Beach in pole position following Thursday’s Round 1. Maintaining their flawless score of zero faults, teammate Alberto Zorzi put them in a strong position to take the gold as they did in Mexico City last week. But, as the last rider to compete over a challenging course, Bertram Allen knocked down two fences along the track, scoring a unusual 8 faults and dropping the team to a second place finish.
Bertram Allen and Hector. PC: Stefano Grasso/GCL
Doha Fursan Qatar came into today’s sizzling round with just 2 faults overall sitting in the second place spot. Unluckily, Sheikh Ali Bin Khalid Al Thani had the penultimate jump down to finish with 4 faults and Bassem Hassen Mohammed scored 8, so they slipped off the podium into fourth place this week with a total of 14 faults.
Bassem Hassan Mohammed on Gunder. PC: Stefano Grasso/GCL
The formidable London Knights jumped to the top spot on the podium, earning gold after a masterful display from the team riders. In Round One Kent Farrington dropped one rail and his teammate Ben Maher was clear, which meant they entered into the final today with just 4 faults. Switching places today, Ben was the one who picked up a 4 fault score, causing the team to teeter with the potential for a podium spot.
Ben Maher and Don Vito. PC: Stefano Grasso/GCL
Coming in close to last and with all the pressure on his shoulders, Kent flew around the course with his feisty chestnut horse Creedance – with the pair the speediest ride of the day and clear for the class win, as well as elevating the London Knights to the GCL Final Miami Beach top podium spot.
Moving up from the sixth to the third position for the week were the St. Tropez Pirates. Jérôme Guery and Simon Delestre represented the team once again with a final score of 9 and a second place finish in Mexico City. These two friends joined the podium finish once again this week, earning the third position with a total of 12 faults and shooting the team up the overall rankings to third on 46 points.
Simon Delestre and Hermes Ryan. PC: Stefano Grasso/GCL
As the victorious teams took to the podium followed by their victory gallop, the crowds cheered and the champagne was sprayed, adding to the excitement of the second stop for the Global Champions League on the sands of Miami Beach. Valkenswaard United go into the next leg in Shanghai, China, still holding on to the ranking lead with a total score of 55. The London Knights jump into second place with a total of 47 and the St. Tropez Pirates sit in a very close third with a total of 46.
Certain to be a stellar season, and with high octane action, world class sport and nail-biting drama the GCL is off to fabulous start. Be certain to follow as it travels the world hosting the best riders and horses as teams battle it out around the world, culminating in the final at AL SHAQAB in Doha this November.
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