New York Empire powered by Lugano secured a commanding victory at the GCL of Rome, held at Stadio dei Marmi in Rome, Italy, on Saturday, October 10, 2026, while Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym strengthened their championship position with a second-place finish. Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team completed the podium in third as the 2026 GCL Championship Race entered its decisive final stages.
New York Empire delivered a flawless performance across both rounds, finishing on zero faults to claim the victory. Riesenbeck International collected 25 championship points after finishing on four faults, extending their overall lead to 45 points. Istanbul Warriors finished on eight faults, retaining second place in the standings but facing increased pressure from New York Empire, who moved within seven points of them.
The result placed Riesenbeck International within reach of the championship title ahead of the penultimate stage in Cairo, Egypt, scheduled for October 22–24. With only two stages remaining, the Rome meeting proved important for the leading teams as they continued their pursuit of the 2026 title.
New York Empire Established Early Control in Rome
New York Empire set the standard in the opening round, becoming the only team to complete it without faults. Denis Lynch and Michael Pender produced clear rounds to give their team a strong start and secure their place among the ten teams advancing to the second round.
Riesenbeck International also remained firmly in contention despite an early setback. Philipp Weishaupt collected four faults aboard Oreo D.R., but Marco Kutscher delivered a clear round with PIK EUR Lemar NRW to keep the championship leaders within reach of the leading position.
Istanbul Warriors faced a more challenging opening round. Abdel Saïd produced a clear performance aboard Wathnan Quaker Brimbelles Z, while Simon Delestre and Gatsby du Tillard collected eight faults. The team nevertheless advanced to the second round and remained in contention for a podium finish.
Basel Cosmopolitans powered by Les Trois Rois also progressed after Olivier Philippaerts delivered a clear round aboard Miro. However, Valkenswaard United, Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames and Madrid in Motion failed to make the top ten.
Home representatives Rome Gladiators powered by Cavalleria Toscana endured a difficult opening round, with Clara Pezzoli and Guido Grimaldi accumulating 20 faults between them. Monaco Aces finished on 24 faults, while Cairo Pharaohs recorded 40 faults.
Double Clears Secured New York Empire’s Victory
The second round confirmed New York Empire’s superiority. Denis Lynch and Chicago produced a clear round before Bertram Allen and Pacino Amiro completed the team’s performance without faults. Their combined efforts preserved the perfect team score and secured the top position on the podium.
Lynch credited the collective effort of the riders, horses and staff, as well as the continued support of team owner Georgina Bloomberg. He said the championship had remained a major objective throughout the season and expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress.
Allen praised his teammates for establishing a strong position in the opening round. He explained that Lynch and Pender had provided an excellent foundation before his clear performance with Pacino Amiro completed the victory. He also emphasised the importance of the points earned in Rome with the championship approaching its conclusion.
Riesenbeck International demonstrated the consistency that had kept them at the top of the standings. Kutscher produced his second clear round of the day aboard PIK EUR Lemar NRW, while Weishaupt and Callao L ensured the team added no further faults to its opening-round total of four.
Their four-fault finish secured second place and 25 championship points. Kutscher and Weishaupt both stressed the importance of maintaining focus on the season-long championship, recognising that the remaining stages could still influence the final standings.
Istanbul Warriors responded strongly in the second round, with clear performances from Delestre and Saïd helping the team finish third on eight faults. Delestre said the team intended to defend second place while continuing to challenge Riesenbeck International. Saïd praised his horses and teammate, highlighting the value of the podium finish at this stage of the season.
Basel Cosmopolitans and Riyadh Knights Completed the Top Five
Basel Cosmopolitans finished fourth on eight faults after Harry Allen and Edison de Hus produced a clear round, followed by another clear from Zascha Nygaard and Com’on Drako de Maugre. The result earned the team 19 championship points and kept them involved in the contest for a top-four overall finish.
Riyadh Knights claimed fifth place on 12 faults. Emanuele Gaudiano collected four faults aboard Esteban de Hus, while Gudrun Patteet and Baron – RR Z completed a clear round.
Shanghai Swans finished sixth with 12 faults, ahead of Mexico Amigos, who placed seventh on 16 faults. Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team finished eighth on the same total, with Mexico Amigos holding the advantage on time. St Tropez Pirates also finished on 16 faults to take ninth place, while Doha Falcons completed the top ten on 20 faults.
The results highlighted the depth of competition across the field, with several teams remaining closely matched despite the pressure of the closing stages of the championship.
Riesenbeck International Held a 45-Point Advantage
The Rome standings strengthened Riesenbeck International’s position at the top of the 2026 GCL Championship Race. The team moved to 267 points, while Istanbul Warriors remained second on 222 points. New York Empire occupied third place with 215 points.
Basel Cosmopolitans followed in fourth on 203 points, while Prague Lions completed the top five with 195 points. New York Empire’s victory brought them closer to Istanbul Warriors, adding further importance to the remaining stages as the teams continued their contest for the runner-up position.
Riesenbeck’s advantage gave them a significant opportunity to secure the championship before the final stage. However, the remaining contests still offered their challengers a chance to reduce the gap if the leaders failed to maintain their consistency.
Cairo Could Decide the 2026 GCL Championship
The next GCL stage will take place in Cairo, Egypt, from October 22–24, with the championship potentially being decided before the final meeting in Rabat. A maximum of 30 points will be available at each of the remaining stages, leaving Riesenbeck International in a strong position.
A sixth-place finish or better in Cairo will guarantee Riesenbeck International the 2026 GCL Championship title, regardless of the results achieved by their rivals. Even if Istanbul Warriors win the stage and collect the maximum 30 points, Riesenbeck will be able to secure the title with a sixth-place finish or better.
New York Empire will arrive in Egypt following their impressive Rome victory, while Istanbul Warriors will aim to protect second place and keep their championship ambitions alive. Both teams will need strong performances to challenge the leaders and potentially extend the title contest to Rabat.
New York Empire secured a flawless victory at the GCL of Rome, finishing ahead of Riesenbeck International and Istanbul Warriors. Riesenbeck extended their championship lead to 45 points and will have an opportunity to clinch the 2026 title with a sixth-place finish or better in Cairo on October 22–24.
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