The packed grandstands at the iconic Club de Campo Villa de Madrid witnessed a gripping contest on Saturday as Prague Lions powered by the Czech Equestrian Team produced a composed and clinical display to capture victory in the 2026 GCL of Madrid presented by Marques de Riscal. In a competition decided by the narrowest of margins, the Prague-based side held off Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team in a dramatic finale that kept spectators engaged until the very last ride.
GCL of Madrid 2026 results.
Under warm Madrid skies, the latest stop of the 2026 Global Champions League season unfolded with relentless intensity. The fast-paced two-round format once again exposed how little separates the leading teams, with faults and time penalties constantly reshaping the leaderboard throughout the afternoon.
Prague Lions delivered when it mattered most. Niels Bruynseels aboard Oaky Flandria and Fernando Martinez Sommer riding Lady van de Haarterhoeve combined for a decisive finish after Thibeau Spits had earlier laid the groundwork with a sharp opening-round effort on Impress-K van’t Kattenheye Z. Their combined score of just one time fault ultimately proved enough to seal victory.
Fernando Martinez Sommer later reflected on the significance of the result in the wider championship battle.
“Getting maximum points here in Madrid was absolutely crucial for us, so I’m incredibly proud of the team today,” he said. “Everyone delivered when it mattered, and that’s what makes the difference at this level. It’s still a long championship ahead, but this is exactly the kind of result we need.”
Teammate Niels Bruynseels praised both the atmosphere in Madrid and the collective effort behind the win.
“Madrid is always a highlight for me,” he said. “The crowd is unbelievable, the arena is beautiful, and everything for the horses is top class. It’s a special place to win.”
Istanbul Warriors pushed the eventual winners all the way to the line and secured second place on five faults after another polished performance from Abdel Saïd and Simon Delestre. Abdel Saïd, riding Wathnan Zasou vom Claashof, incurred a costly time fault before Simon Delestre produced a crucial clear aboard Gatsby du Tillard to confirm the runner-up finish.
“Honestly, that was a proper fight right to the end,” Abdel Saïd said. “My horse gave me everything. Of course you always want the win, but to come away with a podium and still lead the championship is a great feeling.”
Home favourites Madrid in Motion delighted the Spanish crowd by securing third place on six faults. Maikel van der Vleuten delivered a standout clear on Quastor vd Heffinck before Sergio Álvarez Moya, riding Quadrado, added only two time faults to ensure a podium finish in front of the home supporters.
“It was a challenging class and you really had to stay focused from start to finish,” said van der Vleuten. “A podium in Madrid is always special.”
For Sergio Álvarez Moya, the occasion carried additional meaning.
“Riding here at home always means a bit more,” he said. “To finish on the podium in Madrid is something to be proud of.”
The championship standings tightened considerably following the Spanish leg. Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team and Basel Cosmopolitans powered by Les Trois Rois now share the top spot on 69 points, while Prague Lions surged into third place on 68 points after their Madrid triumph. Valkenswaard United remain close behind on 67.5 points, with St Tropez Pirates completing the top five on 65.
Round one proved particularly unforgiving, with the technical course and strict time allowed catching out several teams. Prague Lions stood out as the only side to record a double clear across the field, underlining the demanding nature of the track.
Among those missing qualification for round two were Monaco Aces and Scandinavian Vikings on 16 faults, while New York Empire, Riesenbeck International and Mexico Amigos all finished on 20 faults. Cairo Pharaohs endured a difficult outing with 32 faults, and Rome Gladiators saw their hopes end prematurely following an elimination in the opening round.
The second round brought fresh drama. Riyadh Knights produced the first double clear of the round thanks to Emanuele Gaudiano aboard Nikolaj de Music and Olivier Perreau with GL Events Dorai d’Aiguilly. Basel Cosmopolitans recovered well after an early mistake from Olivier Philippaerts, while Shanghai Swans slipped down the standings after costly rails from Giacomo Casadei.
The loudest roar of the afternoon came when Madrid in Motion returned to the arena. Maikel van der Vleuten’s superb clear ride on Quastor vd Heffinck briefly raised hopes of a home victory before Prague Lions eventually closed the contest in composed fashion.
All eyes turned to the final riders as Niels Bruynseels collected a single time fault aboard Oaky Flandria, leaving the title within reach but far from secure. Fernando Martinez Sommer then delivered under immense pressure, guiding Lady van de Haarterhoeve to a faultless round that secured victory for Prague Lions on a final score of one fault.
The European leg of the championship now moves to the French Riviera, with Cannes scheduled to host the next stage of the 2026 Global Champions League from 4 to 6 June. With the standings tighter than ever, the battle for the title is rapidly intensifying.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to racebuzz