Under the fading glow of the Moroccan sunset, the St Tropez Pirates delivered one of their most memorable victories of the 2025 GCL season, sailing to triumph at the GCL Rabat with composure, teamwork, and a touch of magic. Amid the grandeur of the Grand Théâtre de Rabat and the towering Hassan Tower, the evening unfolded as a celebration of both sport and spirit — where experience met youthful ambition, and where Morocco’s rich culture framed a world-class competition.
The winning combination of Philippe Rozier and Thibault Philippaerts embodied that perfect blend. Rozier, the veteran Frenchman riding in his final outdoor 5* season, and Philippaerts, the 23-year-old Belgian talent, overcame two challenging rounds of Uliano Vezzani’s masterful course to secure their team’s first win of the year. The result was greeted by thunderous applause — a fitting ovation to a pair of riders at opposite ends of their professional journeys.
“To win here with Philippe is amazing,” smiled Philippaerts after sealing the victory. “I trusted my horse completely today — he was incredible. I’m just lucky to have a great horse, a great team, and a family who always supports me.”
For Rozier, the victory carried a deep emotional resonance. “This is my first GCL win, and it means so much,” he said. “It’s my last outdoor 5* event before I retire at the end of the season — so to finish on a high like this, in a place as special as Rabat, is unforgettable.”
The Race That Tested Every Nerve
The GCL Rabat, Stage 15 of the 2025 Championship, once again delivered a show of extraordinary tension and skill. Teams fought through two intense rounds, with every rail and second counting toward the crucial points that will determine who qualifies directly for the GC Prague Playoffs.
Behind the Pirates, the Rome Gladiators powered by Cavalleria Toscana claimed second place with a sharp, attacking effort from Peder Fredricson and Emanuele Gaudiano. Their eight-fault total kept them just shy of the win, but their speed and precision reminded everyone why they remain one of the most consistent teams in the League.
“Thibault has shown real maturity this season,” Fredricson admitted with a grin. “Normally, I cheer for him — just not today!”
The Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team completed the podium, thanks to a flawless round from Simon Delestre and a strong supporting ride by Hasan Senturk. “We’ve had some bad luck this season,” Delestre noted, “but the team’s spirit never breaks — we’ll fight even harder next year.”
Championship Picture: The Road to Riyadh
With Valkenswaard United still leading on 296 points ahead of the Cannes Stars on 290, the stage is now set for a dramatic finale in Riyadh. The Prague Lions (256) and Shanghai Swans (253) round out the top four, but Riesenbeck International (241) remain within striking distance — ensuring that every stride in the desert will matter.
In Rabat, Valkenswaard United showed characteristic grit despite their eight penalties, with Marcus Ehning and Oliver Lazarus ensuring the team held its lead in the standings. Meanwhile, several top contenders — including Madrid in Motion, Cannes Stars, and Riesenbeck International — found the Moroccan course unforgiving, leaving them chasing redemption in the final round of the season.
A Night to Remember
As darkness fell over Rabat, the cheers that followed the Pirates’ victory echoed well beyond the arena. It was a moment that captured what makes show jumping so compelling: courage, connection, and the beauty of partnership — both human and equine.
Founder Jan Tops reflected, “To bring GCL back to Morocco is something truly special. It’s a show that represents our sport’s global reach, and it’s made possible through incredible collaboration — from our partners to the Moroccan Federation.”
The 2025 GCL Rabat not only celebrated elite equestrian sport but also showcased Morocco’s growing presence on the world stage — where tradition and modernity unite beneath the African sky. With Riyadh now on the horizon, the Championship fight is alive and crackling with tension.
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