Germany enjoyed a memorable start to the Longines Global Champions Tour’s return to Riesenbeck International as René Dittmer guided Corsica X to victory in the CSI5* 1.45m Against the Clock on the opening day of Stage 9 action.
René Dittmer Wins
The home crowd at the renowned German venue witnessed a high-quality contest as leading riders from around the world tackled Peter Schumacher’s carefully designed course. With ideal weather conditions and a demanding track testing both speed and precision, the opening five-star competition set the standard for the weekend ahead.
René Dittmer and Corsica X produced the standout performance of the class, becoming the only combination to complete the course in under 60 seconds. The German rider stopped the clock at 59.87 seconds aboard the 13-year-old mare, setting a pace that none of his rivals could match.
René Dittmer and Corsica X win CSI5* 1.45m Against the Clock at Riesenbeck International, marking a strong home success at the Longines Global Champions Tour stage.
USA’s Lillie Keenan came closest to challenging the leading time with Highway TN. The pair delivered a smooth clear round in 61.44 seconds to finish second, while Egypt’s Nayel Nassar and Orphea HQ also produced a faultless effort, taking third place in 63.10 seconds.
Portugal’s Duarte Seabra secured fourth position with Cabernet di Fer Z after another clear performance, finishing in 63.96 seconds. Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano and Chabrello PS followed in fifth with a time of 65.01 seconds, while Germany’s Stefan Engbers completed the top six aboard Baju NRW in 65.86 seconds.
Several other combinations impressed with clear rounds but could not match the pace required for a podium finish. Max Kühner with EIC Cooley Jump the Q and Marlon Modolo Zanotelli aboard Ilex both completed faultless rounds, though their times left them outside the leading positions.
The competition also saw moments of frustration for riders who were among the fastest across the course. Yuri Mansur with Vitiki and Ioli Mytilineou aboard Casanova Hastak DWB produced quick rounds but lost their chance of a top placing after recording a single fence fault.
Reflecting on his victory, Dittmer praised Corsica X’s performance and explained that maintaining an efficient rhythm through the early part of the course helped secure the result.
“I am so happy with my horse today. I have had her for three years now and I tried to do a quick turn from 1-2, and kept the pace up during the first half, which allowed me to slightly take the pressure off towards the end and keep the pace,” Dittmer said after the class.
Asked whether he could follow in the footsteps of fellow German rider Gerrit Nieberg, who won the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Riesenbeck in 2025, Dittmer responded confidently: “That’s the plan!!”
The Longines Global Champions Tour action continues throughout the weekend at Riesenbeck International, with the world’s leading riders competing across a series of major classes as Stage 9 progresses.
Fans can follow the championship coverage through official streaming platforms, with further sessions scheduled ahead of the upcoming rounds.
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