Istanbul Warriors secure first ever GCL win in London showdown

The Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team have made history by capturing their first-ever GCL win in a dramatic two round team competition at the prestigious Royal Hospital Chelsea in London. The electrifying event saw the Warriors rise to the occasion, securing victory against a fiercely competitive field and as Géraldine Straumann on Long John Silver 3, Zascha Nygaard Lill with Stanley and Primavera and Andreas Schou on Billy Matador were the only team to finish with just a single rail down over both rounds. 

Amidst the historic charm of London, the event crafted an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike. The sold-out audience witnessed an exceptional display of horsemanship. In a poignant blend of tradition and honour, the distinguished pensioners of the Royal Hospital Chelsea attended the awards ceremony, infusing the occasion with a sense of heritage. 

The London leg of the GCL, known for its challenging course and world-class competition, delivered an unforgettable spectacle in front of the sold out crowd. Despite their valiant efforts the Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses could not repeat their previous triumph and ended the competition as the fastest team with 8 faults from the power tri Malin Bayard Johnsson and twins Nicols and Olivier Philippaerts. 

Adding to the excitement, the Championship leaders Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames secured third place, solidifying their position at the top of the overall standings with yet another podium for Sophie Hinners, Natalie Dean and Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann. Notably, this year’s GCL London podium was dominated by female riders, with 5 out of the 6 athletes representing the sport’s top female talent. 

Team owner and rider, Ee Siyahi, couldn’t hide his pride in today’s result. He said, “I am proud of my team - today the girls showed the girl power and we are so proud of them! We made strategic plans to have Andreas in Round 1 which paid off with a clear round, then let it to Geraldine and Zascha in Round 2. We couldn’t be more proud of this result”

Geraldine went on to add, “It is amazing - the venue, the crowd, the organisation - everything. It’s amazing to be here. I couldn’t be happier with my horse Long John Silver 3, he is so consistent and just such a dream to have on my team ”

With twelve stages of the 2024 Championship race now complete, The Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames have claimed a spot on the podium in six of those stages, showing an impressive 50% strike rate. Nathalie Dean said, “it really is an amazing team and we really feel the support from the Iron Dames - it really is like a big family. At every show we try to bring our best horses and that really shows in the results.”

As for the Championship? Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses are chasing every point they can gain. Speaking to Rosie Turner from GCTV, Nicola Philippaerts said, “Every leg is crucial now, it all went really well today, and looking ahead we are feeling comfortable and confident for the next stages.”  

Teammate Malin Bayard-Johnsson who came in or Round 2 of today’s GCL London went on to add, “we’ve been strong all year and we are very happy to be on the podium again - we have to take show by show and round by round to really make the best out of it.”

Amidst the historic charm of London, the event crafted an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike. The sold-out audience witnessed an exceptional display of horsemanship. In a poignant blend of tradition and honour, the distinguished pensioners of the Royal Hospital Chelsea attended the awards ceremony, infusing the occasion with a sense of heritage. 

Team tactics again came into play, with teams opting for both horse changes, rider changes, and some opting for ‘don’t change it if it’s not broken’.

With a demanding course crafted by designer Ulliano Vezzani, horses and riders faced a true test of skill at every turn. The challenging track, featuring imposing related lines and complex combinations, was set against the backdrop of packed grandstands and vibrant hospitality areas, adding to the electric atmosphere.

This 6th podium allowed Canned Stars powered by Iron Dames to further solidify their dominance, extending their lead to an impressive 250 points. Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses crept up the GCL Leaderboard to 228 points while it gets tighter than ever between third and fourth as Doha Falcons and Riesenbeck International powered by Kinglands Equestrian sit on 211 and 209 respectively. 

 As the season approaches its final stages, the GCL Championship promises even greater excitement and drama in the race to the finish.

With three teams on 0 faults of Valkenswaard United, Istanbul Warriors and Cannes Stars at the half way point it was all to play for. With only 13 teams coming back for round two after Monaco Aces were eliminated due to a dismounting mid round the question on everyone's lips was who could seal the deal and secure top podium position?

Last year’s overall season champions Riesenbeck International powered by Kingland didn’t have Championship boost they needed with a very unusual 20 faults between Harry Allen, Christian Kukuk and Philipp Weishaupt to finish 9th overall. 

Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses. The expectations were high and the team did not disappoint. The day’s only double clear from Nicola Philippaerts left the team in a strong position, with a single rail from trailblazers Malin Bayard Johnsson and H&M Indiana had the team finishing in 2nd place. 

Sitting in a strong position after round 1 it all changed for New York Empire powered by Lugano Diamonds as they were hit with bad luck in the second round and the poles kept falling for home hero Scott Brash and Richard Vogel finishing on a total of 24 faults and right down the order. 

Wearing the red GCL Championship leaders armband with pride Cannes Stars powered by Irons Dames had an unlucky one down from Sophie Hinners on Iron Dames Singclair and Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann on Messi van 't Ruytershof leaving them an anxious wait to see if they had done enough for a podium finish. 

Using all three of their riders across the two rounds Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team were hungry for the win having already finished second and third this season. Bringing in fresh horsepower Géraldine Straumann and Long John Silver 3 rode a foot perfect clear and left the arena to a huge applause. But it was new member of the team Zascha Nygaard Lill’s lightning fast 4 fault round that kept them in the game as the team punched the air delighted with second at worst case before watching Valkenswaard United to determine if they would win their first ever GCL.

The arena went silent as the last team to go Valkenswaard United entered. Could it be a dream win for the legend John Whitaker in front of the home crowd? With only a single rail in hand Gilles Thomas and Elfra van Beek Z were about to ride one of the biggest of their career to date. The pressure proved a little too much as two fences fell immediately handing the win to Istanbul Warriors before John had even jumped. Living up to his name John Whitaker and Equine America Unick du Francport still delivered a clear but not quite fast enough for a podium to finish in fourth overall as slowest team on four faults. 

So, Istanbul Warriors take the win and the league now heads straight to The Netherlands, Valkenswaard for the 13th stage of the season from 23 - 25 August.