In sensational style Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames rocketed to the top of the podium for the third time this season under the lights in GCL Monaco. U25 rider Sophie Hinners onboard Iron Dames Singclair and Kim Emmen with Imagine secured maximum points to reclaim the overall Championship lead again by 6 points.
In the tightest of battles, Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team took home second place as the only other team on double clear. Dream team of Pieter Devos with Casual DV Z and Niels Bruynseels riding Origi vd Vosberg were just 5 seconds off the pace this time but still picked up crucial championship points.
Rounding off the podium was legends John Whitaker with Equine America Unick du Francport and Edwina Tops-Alexander on Fellow Castlefield for Valkenswaard United in the heart of the Monaco port.
The picturesque city-state of Monaco, famous for its glitz and glamour, served as the perfect venue as H.R.H. Princess Alexandra of Hanover presented the awards. The iconic Port Hercule provided a stunning backdrop to the thrilling competition, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for the sold-out crowd.
Having just reclaimed the championship at stage 10 of the 2024 Championship Race, Kim Emmen candidly spoke with GCTV. She explained, “It is really incredible. We had a little chat before the first course walk where you asked me on what our plan was, I said ‘to fight back’, and that we did!”
Sophie Hinners added, “The Prague Lions put a lot of pressure on us, so we had to go fast, and luckily it worked out for us. I am so proud of my horse, and really the whole team behind us.”
The Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team retain their 5th position on the 2024 Championship leaderboard following their second place at stage ten in Monaco. A frustrated yet pleased Pieter Devos commented on the team’s performance, “We did what was expected from us, I think all four horses jumped great, and we were first to go so we went for the clears. It was such a difficult course with faults everywhere so we were hoping the other teams would make a fault.”
A third place today from Valkenswaard United have cemented the team into fifth place on the 2024 Championship standings. Double clear from none other than John Whitaker in Monaco left the team fighting for top spot right until the end. He told GCTV: “It was a tough course in there today, the problem was, the teams that were in the lead made it look easy.”
In terms of the pursuit of that elusive championship title? Edwina remarked, “We’re for sure chasing the championship… We’ve got a lot of fighting to do and we are looking to make our way up the standings.”
GCL Championship standings after stage 11:
Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames: 199 points
Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses: 193 points
Doha Falcons: 182 points
Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland: 175 points
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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.