Riesenbeck International Secures Pole Position in Round 1 of GCL of Ramatuelle/St. Tropez

GCL day is off to a thrilling start on Pampelonne Beach as the world’s top riders go head to head in Ramatuelle, St. Tropez. Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland Equestrian has taken pole position in Round 1 of the GCL of Ramatuelle/St. Tropez.

First up for Riesenbeck International was Christian Kukuk riding Mumbai. Kukuk rode a clear round aboard his 12 year old grey stallion, setting up the team well. Philipp Weishaupt added nothing to the team’s spotless score, securing the lead aboard his mount Coby 8.

Powerhouse team and current GCL Championship leaders, the Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames, sit in second place after Round 1. Katrin Eckermann delivered a quick, clean round aboard Chao Lee. Eckermann was followed by teammate Kim Emmen riding Inflame Go. Emmen came home on a clean sheet aboard the 11 year old bay gelding to secure second place for the team. 

Sitting in third place after Round 1 is Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses. Up first for the team was Jessica Springsteen riding Naomi van het Keizershof. Springsteen posted a quick time but unfortunately had one fence down, acquiring four faults. Nicola Philippaerts rode second for the team aboard H&M Luna van't Ruytershof Z. Philippaerts made quick work of the challenging course and came home clean, clinching third place. 

Madrid in Motion sits in fourth following Round 1 of the GCL of Ramatuelle/St. Tropez. Maikel van der Vleuten rode first for the team. He posted a clear round aboard his mount Elwikke. Next up was Eduardo Alvarez Aznar riding Rokfeller de Pleville Bois Margot. Despite four faults on course, Aznar was able to deliver a quick round to take fourth for the team.

Completing the top five going into Round 2 is Valkenswaard United. Marcus Ehning was first up for the team. He had one fence down aboard DPS Revere on the challenging course. Second to go for Valkenswaard United was John Whitaker riding Equine America Unick du Francport. Whitaker expertly piloted his 16 year old bay gelding through the course, coming home clean to secure fifth place.

With Round 2 this evening, all eyes will be on Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland Equestrian. The team have strategically opted to swap horses for Kukuk, bringing in Checker 47 for Round 2, with Mumbai sitting out. Weishaupt makes no horse change, returning on 14 year old Coby 8.

Can the traditionally ultra consistent duo of Kukuk and Weishaupt maintain their lead to win the GCL of Ramatuelle/St. Tropez or will another team overtake to claim the win in stage six of the 2024 Championship? Will the current GCL Championship leaders, the Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames, be able to hold on to their place on the leaderboard, or will we see a shake up in the standings at the sixth stage of the GCL Championship? Tune in via GCTV to witness all of the thrilling action live from Ramatuelle/St. Tropez.