German Glory as René Dittmer and Corsica X Win on Longines Global Champions Tour of Riesenbeck Opening Day

Germany celebrated an early home victory as René Dittmer and Corsica X stormed to win the big class of the day at the CSI5* 1.45m launching Stage 9 of the Longines Global Champions Tour in thrilling fashion.

As the Longines Global Champions Tour returned to Germany, the opening day of 5* sporting action at Riesenbeck International set the tone for an electrifying weekend of top sport. Against the dramatic backdrop of one of the world’s most celebrated equestrian venues, the CSI5* 1.45m Against the Clock presented by Hengststation Beerbaum brought together some of the world’s best combinations as they took on a masterful course designed by Peter Schumacher.

With sunshine overhead and perfect temperatures creating flawless conditions, Riesenbeck welcomed Stage 9 of the Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL championship. The ideal setting laid the foundation for a thrilling contest, where speed, accuracy and razor-sharp execution proved decisive. 

Germany's Rene Dittmer delivered the winning performance aboard the 13-year-old Corsica X, stopping the clock in a lightning-fast 59.87 seconds to secure victory. As the only combination to break the 60-second barrier, Dittmer set an untouchable target that proved beyond the rest of the field.

USA's Lillie Keenan and Highway TN came closest, producing a polished clear round to finish second in 61.44 seconds. Egypt's Nayel Nassar partnered Orphea HQ into third with another faultless performance, while Portugal's Duarte Seabra and Cabernet di Fer Z claimed fourth. Italy's Emanuele Gaudiano steered Chabrello PS into fifth, with Germany's Stefan Engbers completing the top six aboard Baju NRW after another clear round.

Several combinations delivered faultless rounds but lacked the pace to challenge the leaders, with Max Kühner aboard EIC Cooley Jump the Q and Marlon Modolo Zanotelli riding Ilex both finishing clear but outside the fastest times. Meanwhile, heartbreak struck for Yuri Mansur and Vitiki, along with Ioli Mytilineou and Casanova Hastak DWB, whose blistering pace was undone by a single rail, denying them what could have been podium-contending finishes. 

Speaking to GCTV after claiming top honours, Rene exclaimed - “! am so happy with my horse today. I have had her for three years now and I tried to do a quick turn from 1-2, and kept the pace up during the first half allowed me to slightly take the pressure off towards the end and keep the pace.”

As for his response to being asked if he was going to be following in the footsteps of fellow German star Gerrit Nieberg following his LGCT Grand Prix of Riesnbeck win in 2025, Rene said “That’s the plan!!”

Top 6 Results – CSI5* 1.45m Against the Clock presented by Hengststation Beerbaum 

1st Place - Rene Dittmer (GER) – Corsica X | 0 | 59.87
2nd Place - Lillie Keenan (USA) – Highway TN | 0 | 61.44
3rd Place - Nayel Nassar (EGY) – Orphea HQ | 0 | 63.10
4th Place - Duarte Seabra (POR) – Cabernet di Fer Z | 0 | 63.96
5th Place - Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) – Chabrello PS | 0 | 65.01
6th Place - Stefan Engbers (GER) – Baju NRW | 0 | 65.86

Fans can also watch via GCTV, with the Saturday GCL studio beginning at approximately 13:20 ahead of Round 1 at 13:45. Be sure to subscribe to the official GCL YouTube channel to receive live notifications and catch every moment of the championship action. 

The action continues all weekend as the world’s best riders battle for glory in Stage 9 of the 2026 Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL championship race.