BREAKING NEWS: Huge Hit To Paris Panthers Ahead of Championship Final

Have Paris Panthers handed the Championship Title to Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland Equestrian?

Jur Vrieling's star horse Long John Silver 3 N.O.P has been sold as announced today by SF Equestrian team manager Dani Mounaim, meaning he is not in Riyadh to help Paris Panthers in their bid for GCL Championship Glory. 

Suspicion was mounting this week when it became clear that Long John Silver 3 N.O.P had in fact not travelled to Riyadh as Jur’s strongest equine partner, having only travelled with Griffin van de Hefinck.

Long John Silver 3 N.O.P has been a true asset to the Paris Panthers throughout the 2023 season with the GCL of Madrid being a true standout moment with the team ultimately taking top spot. 

Speaking exclusively to Global Champions this morning, Jur Vrieling expressed his adoration to his former equine partner "Long John is a once in a lifetime horse, he has all the scope, is careful, and has a great, great attitude. I'm going to miss him a lot, especially here in Riyadh, and for the GC Prague Playoffs. 

"It's quite hard that he has been sold, but we have to go on, and I still think that we have a chance to beat Riesenbeck International. For sure it is not getting easier, but we will give it a good try, and I hope Ben and Harrie are going to deliver some really good rounds. We will fight for it."

This week, Riyadh takes centre stage on the global arena, featuring the World Combat Games, Christiano Ronaldo leading Al Nassr FC in two exciting home games, and the highly-anticipated boxing match between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou. Nevertheless, the ultimate heavyweight showdown that commands everyone's attention is the clash between the Paris Panthers and Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland Equestrian.

The team nominations are in, with horses travelled now on the ground in Riyadh. Even with the omission of Long John Silver 3 N.O.P, Paris Panthers are set for battle with the ultra-consistent Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland Equestrian. While it is yet to be announced which horses and riders will be competing in GCL Round 1 and Round 2, we can announce who is on each team roster for the GCL Championship Final. 

Paris Panthers

Ben Maher - Faltic HB

Jur Vierling - Grifin van de Hefinck

Harrie Smolders - Deessee de Kerglenn & Uricas van der Kattevennen

Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland Equestrian

Christian Kukuk - Checker 47

Philipp Weishaupt - Mescorial PS & Zineday 

Eoin McMahon - Christians Carado & Mila

So just how will the Championship Final unfold? Read the article below to explore the scenarios! 

< SHOWDOWN OF THE HEAVYWEIGHTS : GCL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL TAKES CENTRE STAGE IN RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA>

GCL CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS

AHEAD OF STAGE 15 & THE CHAMPIONSHIP FINALE IN RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA

1st Place - Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland Equestrian - 302 points

2nd Place - Paris Panthers - 299 points

All eyes will be on the main arena in Riyadh nestled at the King Abdullah Financial District, with the action to be streamed LIVE and ON DEMAND on GCTV.