Dominating 2024 and taking their 4th win of the season, Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames pulled out all the stops to win GCL Riesenbeck, Germany this weekend as the only team to finish on a clean sheet.
Local heroes Katin Eckermann and U25 rider Sophie Hinners secured back to back wins, just a couple of short weeks ago. Riding Iron Dames Cala Mandia Nrw and Iron Dames Singclair yesterday, the emotional duo extended their championship lead to 26 points after success in the heart of Germany.
Saturday was a fiercely competitive battleground for the world’s top teams as Rome Gladiators powered by ClipMyHorse.TV shot up the ranking, after a second place finish from Laura Kraut, Kyle Timm and Nina Mallevaey. It was a bitter sweet podium for home team Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland who were hoping to bring home the win for their home crowd, but Christian Kukuk and Philipp Weisuapt had to settle for third place this time.
It was double the impact and double the pressure for Katrin Eckermann and Sophine Hinners today, both German riders riding on home turf, both part of the staggering lineup of the Cannes Stars riders. Speaking with GCTV directly after their win, Katrin said: “I am a bit lost for words. It really was a lot of pressure with Riesenbeck International going straight before us, I knew I could have one down, but here at the top level we all know how fast a fault can happen… but both our horses jumped amazing, we rode very well – we were really fighting for it today. I can’t describe this feeling – just wow, woman power!”
Having also represented the Cannes Stars in Monaco, Sophie Hinners knows exactly what the win takes. Another stellar performance this weekend left her and the team back on top. She said, “It’s amazing that again we could deliver four clear rounds. It’s an unbelievable feeling here in Germany in front of our family and friends… we won in Monaco and we have shown we can now do it again, and we can all be so proud and thankful for our team standing behind us – without them, this could not be possible.”
Joining the showjumping team recently during the mid-season transfer period, Kyle Timm spoke of the team’s hunger for success, he said, “Our goal was to come and score another podium and I am really excited that I had a chance to be a part of it. Everyone is motivated for the final four stages of the season, we want to make it worthwhile to be there… it’s definitely an exciting place to be.”
A visibly disappointed Christian Kukuk couldn’t help liken thr result to last year’s GCL of Riesenbeck where a time fault alluded the home team of the win, where again on Saturday, a time fault meant the home team had to settle for third instead of back to back second places. Speaking with GCTV, Kukuk said: “It is a bit of a disappointing place, but a third place podium in front of our home crowd is not too bad. It was a brilliant day, great weather, great courses – very challenging, but very fair for everyone.”
Teammate Philipp Weishaupt spoke of the performances of his two mounts, plus the support of a home crowd. He said: “Everyone came here to win, and today we need to be happy with third place. Both of my horses, Zineday and Coby, did great today… I can’t wish for more.” He went on to add, “It’s a great honor to be able to perform here in front of our home crowd in Riesenbeck, representing the team Riesenbeck International – it’s super special.”
As for the Championship? The race is still on and Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland Equestrian are still in pursuit of back to back wins. Kukuk said, “The Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames team have had a really, really good season, and they are quite far ahead, but, we were in the same position last year and they should not be too safe. We will try everything on the last shows – we are very optimistic and positive, so we will see what we can do.”
The back-to-back victories showcased the Cannes Stars’ ability to thrive under pressure and seize crucial moments. With their sights firmly set on the Championship title, the team is determined to maintain their momentum. They extend the Championship lead with 229 points, while Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses, now sit at 203 points after a tough finish on Saturday. Doha Falcons stay in third place on 196 points, while rounding off the battle for the top four, the Riesenbeck International have finished the eleventh stage with the exact same points of 196.
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Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.