Valkenswaard United delivered a commanding performance under the glittering lights of Monaco to seize the lead in the 2025 Global Champions League standings. The eighth stage of the championship, set against the iconic Port Hercule backdrop, brought drama, precision, and high-stakes tactics as the world’s best teams battled for supremacy — with the critical mid-season transfer window now looming.
The sold-out Monaco leg of the GCL always brings an extra layer of pressure, and this year was no different. Known for its tight arena and unforgiving course design, the venue demands perfection, leaving no room for hesitation. Valkenswaard United rose to the occasion with flawless execution in Round 2, securing their third win and fifth podium finish of the season.
Gilles Thomas set the tone with a cool-headed clear round aboard the electric Qalista DN, followed by teammate Lorenzo de Luca and Jappeloup, who mirrored the faultless performance. Their combined efforts rocketed the team to victory, overtaking their rivals in the overall standings and earning them the coveted championship armbands from S.A.R. La Princesse Caroline de Hanovre herself.
A visibly thrilled Gilles reflected, “We came aiming for the podium, but to take the win — and the armbands — it’s just the perfect result.”
Hot on their heels were the Basel Cosmopolitans, who delivered a fierce challenge. Andreas Schou and Napoli VH Nederassenthof fought hard in Round 2, and Zascha Nygaard Lill’s calm double clear aboard Primavera ensured they stayed within touching distance — just three penalties separating them from the top spot.
“It finally came together,” said a smiling Andreas Schou. “Zascha was brilliant again, my horse jumped well, and it all aligned today. We couldn’t be happier.”
Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses rounded out the podium after a mixed evening. Jane Richard and the seasoned Molly Malone Z produced one of the rare double clears of the night, while Olivier Philippaerts kept the team in contention, despite two rails falling. Their determination paid off with a valuable third-place finish.
“It’s been a tough season, so third feels fantastic,” Olivier admitted. “We felt a win was within reach, but Jane’s double clear was crucial.”
The atmosphere along Monaco’s harbour was electric as fans packed the grandstands, with the arena demanding absolute harmony between horse and rider. With centimetres making all the difference, teams knew this was the last opportunity to strike before the championship’s mid-season reshuffle.
The course, crafted by Uliano Vezzani, pushed riders to the limit with sharp turns, tight lines, and a time-allowed that punished hesitation. Only 15 teams advanced to Round 2, with top contenders feeling the heat.
The Istanbul Warriors, fresh off a win in Paris, struggled to replicate their magic. Both Simon Delestre and Henrik von Eckermann encountered faults, marking a surprise dip in form.
Shanghai Swans, sitting third in the championship, battled back after a shaky start. Max Kühner and Katharina Rhomberg showed glimpses of brilliance but couldn’t quite crack the podium.
There was heartbreak for Rome Gladiators as Nadja Peter Steiner’s clear was overshadowed by an uncharacteristic pair of stops from John Whitaker, leading to elimination.
Meanwhile, Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym delivered a steady, consistent showing, finishing with 14 faults — a respectable result on a punishing course.
Valkenswaard United, sensing the opportunity, capitalised with perfect precision. Their zero-fault Round 2 effort proved untouchable, catapulting them to victory as rivals faltered.
The Basel Cosmopolitans stayed close, with Zascha Nygaard Lill once again proving invaluable under pressure. But even her composed double clear couldn’t close the slim gap to the leaders.
Championship frontrunners Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames struggled under the Monaco lights. Rails for both Natalie Dean and Katrin Eckermann saw their campaign unravel, costing them the top spot.
Madrid In Motion’s hopes faded after two rails for Maikel van der Vleuten, while Stockholm Hearts kept their nerve to clinch third with Jane Richard’s standout clear.
As the dust settles in Monaco, Valkenswaard United leads the championship standings with 179 points, followed by Cannes Stars (168), Shanghai Swans (156), and Prague Lions (131).
The action now shifts to London’s Royal Hospital Chelsea from 8-10 August, where Stage 9 promises more drama, mid-season transfers, and crucial championship twists.
