New York Empire powered by Lugano Diamonds claim pole position in Round 1 of the GCL of Valkenswaard

The crowds filled the stands as Round 1 of the GCL of Valkenswaard kicked off. It was a thrilling round one as teams went head-to-head in the stunning grass arena at the Longines Tops International Arena.

The Prague Lions powered by the Czech Equestrian Team started Round 1 with a bang. The team came flying into the ring, eager to defend last year’s victory here in Valkenswaard. Fernando Martinez Sommer delivered a quick round with his mount Lady van de Haarterhoeve, with just four faults on course. Next up was teammate Pieter Devos riding Jarina J. Devos posted a flawless round for the team, coming home clear and ultimately securing fifth place in round one.

The Mexico Amigos got the party started as Carlos Hank Guerreiro and Francesco Turturiello rode into the arena. Carlos Hank Guerreiro rode first for the team aboard H5 Origi Horta. Guerreiro soared across the grass, delivering a clear for the team. Francesco Turturiello was second to go. Turturiello made quick work of the course aboard Jackal, but acquired four faults on the final fence. However, their time was fast enough, and the team overtook the Prague Lions, securing fourth place in round one.

Powerhouse team and 2024 GCL Championship leaders, Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames, galloped into the arena. First up for the team was Sophie Hinners. Hinners found a good rhythm aboard Special Life, stopping the clock clear at 74.36 seconds, posting her seventh clear round in this year’s GCL season. Next to go was Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann. Meyer-Zimmermann expertly navigated the course aboard Cornela and delviering another clear for the Stars, the crowd erupting in cheers as she crossed the finish line to claim second place. 

2023 Championship winners, Riesenbeck International powered by Kinglsand Equestrian, were next to go as Philipp Weishaupt and Philipp Schulze Tophoff are entered the arena, eager to secure their first GCL victory this season. Schulze Tophoff started off with Carla NRW. He raced across the ring, coming home on a clean sheet. Weishaupt was next up. Weishaupt made it look easy aboard Coby 8, delivering a second clear round for the team and securing third place.

Next in the expansive grass arena was New York Empire powered by Lugano Diamonds, sending out Richard Vogel and Scott Brash for round one. Vogel flew across the grass aboard Phenyo van het Keyserbos, making it look easy. The pair stopped the clock at a lightning fast 68.35 seconds. Scott Brash rode second for the team, finding a great rhythm straight off the bat with Hello Valentino. He mastered the course, delivering a second clear round for the team. The New York Empire jumped into pole position on a score of 142.20, an impressive nine seconds faster than the Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames.

the stage is set for Round 2 and all eyes will be on the Longines Tops International Arena. Can the New York Empire powered by Lugano Diamonds claim their first win of the season? How will the Championship standings move around?  Tune in via GCTV to witness all of the thrilling action live from Valkenswaard.