Riesenbeck International Complete Monaco GCL Hat-Trick as Photo Finish Victory Ignites Championship Race

Under the lights of Port Hercule and against the glittering backdrop of Monaco's iconic harbour, Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym continued their remarkable run of form with a third consecutive GCL victory, tightening their grip on the 2026 Championship as the season reached its pivotal halfway point.

Following victories in St Tropez and Paris, the German outfit once again proved untouchable in Monaco, producing four immaculate clear rounds across both phases to secure a perfect score of 0 penalties. But despite the flawless performance, victory was decided by the narrowest of margins imaginable.

After both Riesenbeck International and Madrid In Motion finished on 0 penalties, the title came down to combined time, with Riesenbeck stopping the clock just 0.06 seconds faster than their rivals in one of the closest finishes in GCL history.

Maximilian Weishaupt and Zuccero HV opened the team's account with another polished clear before Marco Kutscher partnered Pikeur Lemar NRW to a second faultless round. Returning for Round 2, the duo simply repeated the performance, delivering another pair of clears to finish on a combined time of 139.61 seconds, edging Madrid In Motion's 139.67 seconds by a whisker.

The victory marks Riesenbeck International's third win in succession, establishing them as the team everyone now has to beat as the championship heads into the transfer window.

Marco Kutscher reflected on the historic achievement, praising the team's consistency and the horses' performances in a demanding Monaco test: "To win three GCL stages in a row is something very special. We've achieved back-to-back wins before, but this is the first time we've managed three consecutive victories, so we're incredibly happy. Today's competition was tough over two demanding rounds, and for my horse it was the first time jumping under the floodlights here in Monaco. The feeling was fantastic, and both horses delivered brilliantly. To repeat what we achieved in Paris with the exact same riders and horses makes this result even more satisfying."

Max Weishaupt highlighted the adaptability of the horses and the significance of repeating the Paris-winning performance in a completely different arena: "Coming here after Paris with the same horse and producing another winning performance shows just how versatile these horses are. Monaco asks completely different questions, but my horse felt super all day and it was a lot of fun to ride here. To make it three wins in a row for the team is an incredible achievement, and having our owners here to celebrate with us makes it even more special."

Commenting on the Madrid in Motion’s second place, Maikel van der Vleuten credited the team's belief in one another and the confidence they had in their horses, with the demanding Monaco arena rewarding precision and partnership as they secured a valuable second-place finish. "We all know what Kim is capable of, and we had a lot of confidence in our horses today. In an arena like Monaco, it's about making it as easy as possible for them and making sure we don't do anything wrong ourselves. That's exactly what we did today. Beauville felt fantastic, he's such a professional and always tries his best to leave the rails up. To be back on the podium is a great result for the team and gives us a lot of confidence heading into the next shows."

Max Kühner said the podium was a timely reward for the team's long-term strategy, with Shanghai Swans keeping one eye on the championship race while building momentum towards the season finale. "To come away with third after where we were following the first round is a really positive result for the team. Every championship point matters at this stage of the season, and while we're always looking at how we can improve, we're also thinking ahead to the Final. We have a very strong group of riders and horses, and this result gives us confidence that we're moving in the right direction for the second half of the season."

Monaco once again proved why it remains one of the defining stages of the GCL calendar. The tight confines of Port Hercule leave no room for error, demanding complete trust between horse and rider while rewarding those willing to take calculated risks. Every stride mattered as fans packed the grandstands and lined the waterfront, creating an unforgettable atmosphere throughout the evening.

With the transfer window opening following Monaco, the championship battle now enters a fascinating new phase. Team managers will be weighing up difficult decisions over the coming days, knowing every change could shape the outcome of the 2026 title race. For some, Monaco provided the perfect momentum boost; for others, it highlighted the fine margins that separate championship glory from disappointment.

Current GCL Championship Standings after Monaco (Top 5):

Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym – 161 points

Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team – 132 points

Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team – 126 points

Basel Cosmopolitans powered by Les Trois Rois – 126 points

Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames – 125 points

Monaco once again proved why it remains one of the most demanding venues on the calendar. The tightest arena on Tour rewarded accuracy over aggression, while every stride around Uliano Vezzani's technical track carried championship implications. The new 2026 format, with only the top ten teams progressing to Round 2, added even greater jeopardy to the evening. 

Round 2 Sports Report: Four Double Clears Set Up Monaco Thriller

The second round began with history already in the making.

Former championship contenders Valkenswaard United also found Monaco unforgiving. Edwina Tops-Alexander produced an excellent clear aboard Caetlin VD Heffinck Z, but Thibault Philippaerts and Pittman V/H Lilleveld added 8 penalties, leaving the team on 16 penalties overall.

The Basel Cosmopolitans powered by Les Trois Rois were another team to produce two outstanding rounds in the second phase. Marlon Modolo Zanotelli and Charly Heart were immaculate before Nicola Philippaerts and H&M Que Sera added another clear, but the 8 penalties carried from Round 1 ultimately left them fourth.

An unlucky four fault day for Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team finished on 16 penalties after Oliver Fletcher and Hello William alongside Henrik von Eckermann with Calizi both each incurred four faults.The Shanghai Swans returned carrying 4 penalties after Max Kühner's opening-round rail. Both riders responded brilliantly. Christian Ahlmann and Sheeran WL jumped a composed clear before Kühner and EIC Up Too Jacco Blue also finished fault-free, securing third place overall and climb three places. 

Up next, Mexico Amigos rounded off their competition carrying 24 penalties they were unable to climb the leaderboard despite determined performances from Carlos Hank Guerreiro aboard H5 Diachango Blue PS and Eduardo Pereira de Menezes with H5 Messentus PS. The Riyadh Knights also improved in Round 2. Olivier Perreau delivered a lovely clear aboard Himalaya du Temple, while Emanuele Gaudiano and Esteban de Hus picked up just one rail to remain on 8 penalties, finishing fifth.

Then came the final twist.

After four double clears in Round 1 had set the standard, Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym were the first of the leading contenders to return to the arena. There was no sign of nerves as Maximilian Weishaupt and Zuccero HV once again produced a flawless clear before Marco Kutscher partnered Pikeur Lemar NRW to another immaculate round. Four clears from four rides kept the German outfit on a perfect 0 penalties, laying down a formidable benchmark and piling the pressure on every team still to come.

Next came Madrid In Motion, equally faultless after Round 1. Kim Emmen continued her outstanding form aboard Hellix du Seigneur, producing another clear before Maikel van der Vleuten delivered under pressure with Beauville Z N.O.P.. Matching Riesenbeck on 0 penalties, they were denied victory by the smallest of margins - just 0.06 seconds on combined time.

The Scandinavian Vikings returned for Round 2 with everything still to play for after starting on 0 penalties. Susan Fitzpatrick and Lovely Stassi PS kept their hopes alive for a podium with just one down, but the pressure mounted on anchor rider Jur Vrieling. Riding Sydney Jeckson, he incurred 9 penalties (8 faults plus one time fault), ending the Vikings' podium ambitions and leaving them to finish on 13 penalties overall.

Last into the arena were the Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team, knowing they still had a chance of snatching victory. But their hopes disappeared almost instantly when Niels Bruynseels clipped the very an early fence aboard Chacco's Lando OL, immediately handing the win to Riesenbeck International. With the pressure now mounting, Pieter Devos and Jarina J endured a round not to remeber, collecting 15 penalties (8 jumping penalties and 7 time penalties), bringing the Lions' challenge to an abrupt end and confirming Riesenbeck International's third consecutive GCL victory.

With Monaco complete, attention now shifts to the highly anticipated GCL Transfer Window, where teams have one opportunity to strengthen their line-ups before the championship enters its decisive second half. The battle for the 2026 title is far from over, and if Monaco proved anything, it is that every point will matter from here to the season finale.