In a finish that had hearts pounding and the crowd on its feet, the Prague Lions powered by the Czech Equestrian Team delivered a spectacular victory at the GCL of Valkenswaard 2025, claiming maximum points in a nail-biting contest that showcased top-tier show jumping at its very best.
As the tension reached fever pitch at the Longines Tops International Arena, Fernando Martinez Sommer’s ice-cool clear aboard Joep set the tone before Pieter Devos and Primo DV sealed the deal, leaving the Lions as the only team to finish on just four faults. Devos, overwhelmed with emotion, punched the air before embracing teammates and beaming, “It was about time that we won! We’ve had a great season but missed the top spot a few times — today we finally made it, and we couldn’t be happier for the Prague Lions!”
Valkenswaard United Keep Their Championship Charge Alive
While the Prague Lions took the day’s top honours, it was hometown favourites Valkenswaard United who kept the crowd buzzing with a gritty second-place finish. Gilles Thomas, aboard the electric Qalista DN and Qiara de Kalvarie, partnered with Hans-Dieter Dreher and his superstar Elysium to deliver a powerful performance that extended their lead in the overall standings.
“We’re still wearing this armband proudly for a reason,” Thomas joked, pointing to the team leader’s band with a grin. Dreher added, “We have a strong team, but the year isn’t over yet — we still have a fight ahead to defend our position.”
With six podium finishes this season, including three wins and three second places, Valkenswaard United remain firmly in control of the championship race.
Scandinavian Vikings Rise to the Occasion
The Scandinavian Vikings finally broke through for their first podium of the season, securing third place after a phenomenal debut clear from mid-season signing Amanda Landeblad aboard Springfield 21. Teammates Jur Vrieling and Sara Vingralkova added critical rounds to keep the Vikings ahead of rivals Paris Panthers and Rome Gladiators.
Speaking after her round, Landeblad smiled, “It’s only my second time riding for the team, but today couldn’t have felt better. Riding with someone like Jur and being part of this atmosphere is just incredible.”
Championship Drama Intensifies
With just stages remaining before the GC Prague Playoffs and GCL Super Cup, the battle at Valkenswaard had massive implications for the overall standings. Valkenswaard United now lead with 203 points, ahead of Shanghai Swans on 201 points and Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames on 198 points. The Prague Lions’ victory lifted them into fourth with 172 points, putting them right in contention.
However, heartbreak struck Madrid in Motion, who entered the weekend fifth in the standings but suffered elimination after Kim Emmen dropped two rails aboard Kesmitt Dmh and Manuel Fernandez Saro’s Ezilis du Mesnil produced a costly runout. The result may have dashed their hopes of finishing in the top four.Round Highlights: Pressure, Perfection, and Pain
The Valkenswaard event delivered all the drama fans could ask for:
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Prague Lions: Four total faults; Devos and Sommer combine precision, pace, and nerves of steel.
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Valkenswaard United: Eight faults but a rapid combined time secured second place.
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Scandinavian Vikings: A debut clear from Landeblad boosts their podium push.
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Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames: Sophie Hinners shined, but Giulia Martinengo Marquet’s refusal at the first fence cost them dearly.
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Paris Panthers: Started strong but faltered in Round 2, finishing seventh.
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Shanghai Swans: Ben Maher’s brilliance wasn’t enough to offset Daniel Deusser’s two costly rails.
The Road to Riesenbeck
The GCL Championship now moves to Riesenbeck, Germany, from September 11 to 14, where teams will once again battle for supremacy as the season heads into its defining stretch. With Valkenswaard United’s lead under threat and the Prague Lions roaring back into the mix, the next stage promises even greater intensity.
For more exclusive show jumping news and updates, visit RaceBuzz.
For more details on the event and upcoming fixtures, visit the Longines Tops International Arena official website.
