The eleventh leg of the Global Champions League competition took place last weekend, with a sensational win by Vienna Eagles leading to shifts in the overall rankings.
Tricky conditions
The Portuguese Riviera played host to the latest GCL competition, but with turbulent winds, conditions were against the riders.
Vienna Eagles clinched first place, their first win of the season, with riders Lauren Hough and Danielle Goldstein boasting a perfect zero score.
“My horse [Waterford] jumped fantastic, it was really difficult conditions tonight but he’s a brave horse,” said Lauren.
Shanghai Swans, represented by Edwina Tops-Alexander and Alexandra Thornton, took second place with a team total of 5 faults, whilst Antwerp Diamonds came third with 8 faults.
The Antwerp Diamonds’ third place ensures they move to second position overall in the current rankings, swapping places with Monaco Aces. Despite a disappointing performance in this round, mighty Valkenswaard United remain top of the leaderboard, at 256.50 points.
Dramatic change
The Longines Global Champions Tour also saw dramatic change with Edwina Tops-Alexander accelerating from third overall to top of the rankings.
However, it was Italian rider Piergiorgio Bucci who stole the show with Casallo Z, ensuring a stunning first place win.
“This is my first CSI5* win – I was very close a few times, and starting to think it might not happen until now. It was a great jump off and a great win today,” said Piergiorgio.
Edwina finished in second with Lintea Tequila, with Ireland’s Bertram Allen taking third with Hector van d’Abdijhoeve.
Edwina’s win sees her at 234 points overall, with former leader Christian Ahlmann sitting a very close two points behind. Rolf-Göran Bengtsson slipped down to third place with 200 points, whilst Bertram Allen is just 11 points from a podium position.
The twelfth leg will take place during the first weekend of August, this time held in Valkenswaard.