Ben Maher and Explosion W, winners of the LGCT Super Grand Prix.
© Stefano Grasso/LGCT
Explosion W and Ben Maher Blast into History with Supersonic LGCT Super Grand Prix Win
LGCT Super Grand Prix
1. Ben Maher and Explosion W
2. Darragh Kenny and Balou de Reventon
3. Martin Fuchs and Clooney 51
It was a phenomenal climax to a magical season for Explosion W and Ben Maher (GBR) as they pulled off the win in tonight’s Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix making a hat trick of titles this season.
It was the moment the very best in the world had been aiming for all year and the €1.25 million LGCT Super Grand Prix proved to be the ultimate challenge. Maher described Explosion W as “magic” and said: “Amazing sport today and top horses and riders in the world. It is just an amazing feeling to be able to win here with this horse, the people who are round me to make this possible and they all know who they are. Magic. No words can explain him, what he has done over the past two years and how he has learned. He proved how good he is tonight.”
Phenomenal pressure to win delivered displays of sheer brilliance and moments of heart-stopping drama as the cream of show jumping faced their toughest challenge of 2019. Darragh Kenny (IRL), who took second place tonight, said: “These are the strongest combinations in the world at the moment, and they’re all here.” Martin Fuchs (SUI) who finished 3rd praised his “great horse” Clooney 51 who was one of the glittering parade of equine superstars, including Cornado NRW, Verdi TN, H&M Legend of Love and Tobago Z. LGCT Founder and President Jan Tops said “It was an incredible evening, incredible sport. You saw the horse who was the Champion of the season winning against the other two amazing horses, it was just a picture perfect finish.”
The thrilling format with two rounds ensured pressure-cooker tension until the last rider cleared the last fence and the packed O2 arena in Prague exploded in celebration for Explosion W and Ben Maher.
A dazzling pyrotechnic sound and light show heralded the arrival of the riders in the Walk of The Champions ceremony with the anthem “Legends” turbo-charging energy levels around the O2 arena.
As the lights went down the first combination in the LGCT Super Grand Prix appeared through the illuminated entrance doors on to the stunning stage to loud cheers from the full grandstands. Talking about the special event, which saw a sell-out crowd Kenny said: “The way they do this show is brilliant, it is the way our industry needs to go. It’s an incredible atmosphere.”
First Round
Uliano Vezzani’s first round course required courage, skill and pin-point precision, featuring 16 jumping efforts. The track would feature a spooky first BMW CarTech Group vertical, a Taittinger Champagne oxer, a formidable Longines treble, a beautifully designed Charles Bridge plank, and a challenging final line featuring a huge Czech House oxer to finish.
First in was Marcus Ehning (GER), piloting his one-eyed grey stallion Cornado NRW; trailblazers for this evening’s class. Their focus was clear from the start, the grey horse jumping responsively to the German maestro’s requests. But they came in too flat down the final line, taking the first of the double of liverpools out, collecting 4 faults.
Peder Fredricson (SWE) and H&M All In found the track a tougher challenge, the 13 year-old gelding just dropping short on the oxer in the first double of verticals. They were also forward into the Longines treble combination, taking out the first element to come home on 8 faults and with everything to do in the second round.
The first clear of the evening came from Julien Epaillard (FRA) with his 10 year-old stallion Virtuose Champeix to the delight of the crowd who roared in appreciation. Ecstatic Epaillard punched the air in celebration, patting the liver-chestnut horse as they exited the arena. Speaking after his round he said: “The feeling in the arena is amazing, the atmosphere is fantastic – it’s a really strong Grand Prix.”
Jérôme Guery (BEL) and Quel Homme de Hus had a disappointing two down to finish on 8 faults, and Jessica Springsteen (USA) with RMF Zecilie would have a first round to forget, finishing on 16 faults.
The bush lined oxer fell for Martin Fuchs (SUI) and Clooney 51, the pair just missing the width of the 1.60m challenge. They had a moment down the final line, but Fuchs was able to bring the 13 year-old grey gelding back to finish their first round on 4 faults and in with a chance.
A miscommunication for Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) and H&M Legend of Love saw the grey and white plank come down, and the back bar of the final element of the Longines triple fell as the mare became a little keen to the fences.
2019 LGCT Champion Ben Maher (GBR) entered the arena aboard his superstar horse Explosion W, the 10 year-old chestnut gelding trotting proudly into the ring. They looked calm, focused and collected, the crowd pin-drop silent until the final fence where they let out a roar as they finished cleanly – the second combination to keep zero on their scoreboard so far.
The small but mighty Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z jumped his heart out for Daniel Deusser (GER), the German rider leaving nothing to chance as they tackled the track. They kept the energy and tempo high, securing a clear round and putting them in a prime position for the second round.
Pieter Devos (BEL) and his 11 year-old Claire Z looked racy from the start. They took a tight turn to the Longines triple, but the first element – a wide oxer – just caught them out, the back rail falling to put them on 4 faults. Speaking after his round Pieter said: “It’s a disappointing fault, and not one that I expected. It’s not lost yet, I still have faith.”
Another superstar stallion Verdi TN came out for this high profile competition, Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) aboard the 17 year-old horse. But they came home on an unlucky 8 faults, with an uphill battle in round two. An early fence for Niels Bruynseels (BEL) and Gancia de Muze put the pair on the back foot, but they regained composure to finish on 4 faults with a trademark swish of her tail.
Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Balou du Reventon looked on phenomenal form, the beautiful 13 year-old stallion taking the obstacles in his stride to finish clear. But there was heartache for the pair as they picked up one time fault.
Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Chaqui Z had a sticky moment to the first fence as the 13 year-old bay stallion backed off. But they cleared it and continued on their way. The Astronomical Clock oxer fell however, as did the Coin vertical, the pair picking up a time fault to boot to finish on 9 faults.
Christian Ahlmann (GER) and Take A Chance On Me Z had the middle element of the Longines triple down, and a fault at the Coin vertical would put them on 8 faults.
There would be delight for Dani G. Waldman (ISR) and Caspar 213, who, despite the horse kicking out in the final oxer of the Longines triple, managed to keep her seat as the crowd gasped. Waldman quickly regained composure to finish clear, adding their names into the mix for chance at a podium position tonight.
Marlon Modolo Zanotelli (BRA) brought out the big VDL Edgar M, the Brazilian rider giving the horse as much time as possible to the fences. But the Longines triple claimed another victim as the first element fell, the pair having to settle for 4 faults so far.
Final rider to go Ludger Beerbaum (GER) entered the arena to an appreciative cheer of the knowledgeable crowd, the multiple Olympian riding Cool Feeling tonight. The duo looked formidably strong from the start, but there was disaster as Beerbaum lost a rein to the final line, the pair making the first fence but knocking out the second element and having to circle. They collected themselves and cleared the last but would finish the first round on 12 faults.
Second Round
Uliano Vezzani’s second course set new challenges with Round 1 scores carried though, and time now an even more crucial factor.
First to return to the ring was Shane Sweetnam (IRL) with Chaqui Z, but their day went from bad to worse as they collected yet more faults to finish their challenge on a tally of 21 overall. Christian Ahlmann (GER) brought forward his first round score of 8, with his 10 year-old stallion Take A Chance On Me Z. They had a wobble down the final line, but kept it together – leaving every fence up but collecting 1 time fault to put them on 10.
Jérôme Guery’s luck ran out early on, as he clipped the first vertical of the Czech House double with Quel Homme de Hus. Another pole at the Czech Equestrian Team oxer would drop them to a total of 16.
Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) and Verdi TN returned to the arena. The more they jumped, the better they looked, finishing clear with a celebratory buck through the finish gates. They would keep their score of 8.
Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) was next to try his luck with H&M Legend of Love. But their pace was fast and the Czech House double fell, as did the first element of the Longines triple – they would finish on 16 overall. Last of those on 8 faults, Peder Fredricson (SWE) and H&M All In produced a calculated round, pulling out all the stops to finish clear – keeping their score of 8 but crucially just slower than van der Vleuten.
Starting on 4 faults, Marlon Modolo Zanotelli (BRA) brought back VDL Edgar M – the big striding horse gliding around the arena. They kept absolute focus, the Brazilian keeping the keen horse calming in check to finish clear. They would provisionally take over the top spot with their score of 4 faults.
Martin Fuchs (SUI) and Clooney 51 carried through their score of 4 from the first round, and they set off at a flying pace, taking the forward strides. They kept all the fences up, but shaved 6 seconds off Zanotelli’s time to take the lead so far, putting enormous pressure on the shoulders of those yet to jump.
Pieter Devos (BEL) and Claire Z had a spring in their stride but the second part of the Czech House double fell, dropping them to a score of 8. There was further heartache as the final Czech Flag plank tumbled too – putting them out of the running with an overall total of 12.
There was disappointment for compatriot Niels Bruynseels (BEL) and Gancia de Muze, after they took out the LGCT oxer and then the final element of the Longines triple to finish on 16.
Marcus Ehning (GER) and Cornado NRW entered the arena to a roaring applause. They knew only a fast clear could put them ahead of Fuchs, but Ehning stuck to his own game plan, prioritising jumping clear. They did just that but had to settle behind Fuchs on time – almost four seconds adrift.
Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Balou du Reventon started with their 1 time fault. The stallion jumped his heart out for the Irishman and they too opted for a steady approach in an effort to keep all the poles up. They pulled it off, collecting a further time fault, but shooting to the top of the leaderboard with their score of 2 faults.
First of those on a zero score, Dani G. Waldman (ISR) would take on the challenge with Caspar 213. They too looked to be going for a steady clear, but the duo hung in the air a touch too long at the Czech Equestrian Team oxer, bringing the fence down. Another fault at the Charles Bridge plank and 1 for time would see them out of the running on 9 faults.
Daniel Deusser (GER) and Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z, the compact chestnut stallion, powered around the arena. But the final element of the Longines triple fell – 4 faults on his score and behind on the time.
Penultimate rider to go Julien Epaillard (FRA) cantered out with Virtuose Champeix, the Flying Frenchman notoriously one of the fastest men on the circuit. Epaillard kept a steady rhythm throughout the first part of the course, but moved up a gear after they had the Czech Equestrian Team oxer down. But their efforts came undone at the Charles Bridge plank, and were cemented as the final fence fell too, dropping them out of the running.
Final rider to go Ben Maher (GBR) had all the pressure on his shoulders, however he was sitting on arguably one of the best show jumpers in the sport – Explosion W. They survived a lucky rub of the Czech House double. Maher kept the tempo steady, giving Explosion time to the fences and the crowd held their breath as they approached the final line.
And they were flawless. The crowd were on their feet as they landed from the final fence to seal the win and take the LGCT Super Grand Prix title.
Shanghai Swans were the GCL Super Cup Final winners.
© Stefano Grasso/GCL
Shanghai Swans’ top guns Deusser, Fredricson and Schwizer Take GCL Super Cup Final Win
GCL Super Cup Final
1. Shanghai Swans
2. Monaco Aces
3. Madrid in Motion
In a story full to the brim with glory, hope and heartache, the Shanghai Swans team wrote their names into the history books – soaring to the GCL Super Cup win in a dramatic €6.4 million Final.
Daniel Deusser with Jasmien vd Bisschop, Peder Fredricson with H&M Christian K and Pius Schwizer with Cortney Cox delivered an epic two rounds of action amid pressure-cooker tension in Prague’s packed O2 arena.
The conclusion to the 2nd edition of the GC Prague Playoffs saw a spell-binding showdown of the world’s best show jumpers. The calibre of competition was at an extraordinary level and the intensity of the battle provoked shock results thrilling fans watching in the arena and around the world.
Daniel Deusser of the Swans spoke of what the prestigious victory meant to the team and how they had been planning throughout 2019 to take the prestigious trophy: “It was a goal of the season – it’s as simple as that. The whole year you’re planning to qualify for this event and every day there is pressure. The crowd, the whole arena, everything together here is fantastic organisation.”
Teammate Peder Fredricson said: “I didn’t believe it. The pressure was on. It was really exciting competition. Three riders in each team with no drop score, so much could happen. The best horses are here with the best riders, and it was two big courses. It was hard work but we’re finally in the spot we wanted.”
Pius Schwizer said: “We have a good team – Peder and Daniel are two of the best riders so it’s a great result.” The team paid tribute to their team mates Shane Sweetnam, Alexandra Thornton and Kim Emmen.
Monaco Aces took second place and last year’s winners Madrid in Motion made a phenomenal comeback to finish third tonight. But there was heartbreak for Paris Panthers, who were in pole position, and Cannes Stars – both teams missing out on a coveted podium spot in a tough Second Round.
Shanghai Swans lifted the trophy as pyrotechnics sparkled and flared behind them, an emotional moment for the season-long strong team. In a special ceremony, the horses and grooms from the top three teams were also awarded medals, recognising the true heroes of the sport.
As the top teams set off on their lap of honour aboard their superstar horses, spectators rose to their feet in heartfelt admiration for the stars of the GCL Super Cup Final.
FIRST ROUND
Uliano Vezzani produced a gutsy course, with huge 1.55/1.60m fences coming up thick and fast – horses and riders needing to be absolutely on their game from the first stride. There were plenty of related distances, requiring riders to know their horses inside out, and be absolutely precise in their plan with a time allowed of 71s.
Cannes Stars?
Jane Richard Philips – Clipper du Haut du Roy?
Maurice Tebbel (U25) – Don Diarado
?Abdel Saïd – Jumpy van de Hermitage
Trail-blazer Jane Richard Philips was first to take on the track with her 11 year-old bay gelding Clipper du Haut du Roy. They attacked the course with gusto to finish clear, Richard Philips punching the air in delight as the crowd roared in appreciation. U25 rider Maurice Tebbel hadn’t touched a pole all weekend, and returned with his 10 year-old stallion Don Diarado – they kept their 100% faultless performance, a remarkable achievement for the young German under this intense pressure. Final rider for the Stars Abdel Saïd had an enormous weight on his shoulders, but the Egyptian kept Jumpy van de Hermitage cool and quiet. They pulled out all the stops, finishing clear but picking up 1 time fault – a phenomenally strong start for the team. After his round Maurice Tebbel said: “It was crazy. Today we’re giving everything. Our team has been unbelievable this week – we’re fighting for it!”
Monaco Aces
Laura Kraut – Confu
Jos Verlooy (U25) – Igor
Julien Epaillard – Queeletta
First in for the Monaco Aces was Laura Kraut, piloting her 12 year-old grey gelding Confu. But the second part of the black and white double fell, and they collected 1 time fault to put the team on a score of 5 faults. U25 rider Jos Verlooy made a strategic horse change to his chestnut gelding Igor, with teammate Marlon Modolo Zanotelli watching on. They had a moment coming to the black and white double after Igor dropped off the bridle but they pulled it back, finishing clear and keeping the team on their score. Final rider to go for the Aces Julien Epaillard brought out the 11 year-old Queeletta, but the first part of the tricky black and white double fell, as did the middle element of the triple combination to drop the team to a score of 13.
Shanghai Swans
Peder Fredricson – H&M Christian K
Pius Schwizer – Cortney Cox
Daniel Deusser – Jasmien vd Bisschop
Peder Fredricson brought out H&M Christian K for the Shanghai Swans, but they too came up short at the second element of the black and white double. The 12 year-old gelding flew around the track, with a big effort at the last to keep the Swans on 4. Next in Pius Schwizer came on for the team, swapping in for Shane Sweetnam who was watching from the kiss n’ cry. He piloted his 10 year-old Cortney Cox – the gelding turning himself inside out to clear the fences bringing home a clear. Team anchor Daniel Deusser was next to go with top mare Jasmien vd Bisschop and they were foot-perfect to keep the Swans on 4. Shane Sweetnam said: “So far so good, hopefully we can move up in the second round. There’s a lot of pressure.”
Valkenswaard United
Marcus Ehning – Comme Il Faut
Frank Schuttert – Queensland E
Cian O’Connor – PSG Final
First in for Valkenswaard United was German maestro Marcus Ehning, piloting his small but feisty stallion Comme Il Faut. They set off at their trademark tempo, powering through the first part of the track with ease. But there was disappointment after they just clipped the Longines plank putting the team on 4 faults. Frank Schuttert saddled up Queensland E, a relatively inexperienced horse for this level of competition. They performed admirably, just rolling the pole in the middle element of the triple combination to drop United to 8 faults. Cian O’Connor brought back PSG Final, the 9 year-old horse impressive in his jumping style. But they too would just fall short at the triple combination, the final element falling to put the team on a total of 12 faults.
Madrid in Motion
Mark McAuley – Vivaldi du Theil
Maikel van der Vleuten – Dana Blue
Eduardo Alvarez Aznar – Rokfeller de Pleville Bois Margot
Last year’s GCL Super Cup winners Madrid in Motion made a rider change for the Final, Mark McAuley coming off the bench with Vivaldi du Theil. They came in slightly too deep to the black and white double, the front bar of the oxer falling to put the team on 4 faults. There was further heartache as the final oxer fell, putting the team on 8. Maikel van der Vleuten was next in, riding top mare Dana Blue. But that troublesome black and white double also caught them out, the front bar falling again for the team and putting them on 12 with one rider left to go. Eduardo Alvarez Aznar brought out the ever-consistent Rokfeller de Pleville Bois Margot, with teammate and manager Eric van der Vleuten watching on. But even they came undone at the triple, the middle element falling to drop the team to last on 16 faults. Team rider Michael G Duffy said: “It’s a two round competition, and anything can happen as we saw last year.”
Paris Panthers
Darragh Kenny – Romeo 88
Nayel Nassar – Lucifer V?
Gregory Wathelet – MJT Nevados S
In pole position, Paris Panthers sent in Darragh Kenny aboard Romeo 88 to set the pace for the team. With teammate and owner Jennifer Gates watching on alongside Harrie Smolders, Kenny set Romeo 88 up beautifully to each of the fences. They produced the goods, a clear for the team with Nayel Nassar and Lucifer V next to go. They flew around the course, but they were too far off the final oxer, Lucifer V just kicking out as the fence came down to collect 4 faults. Final rider Gregory Wathelet knew he and MJT Nevados S needed a clear to keep in the running – the Belgian rider the epitome of grace under serious pressure. They finished clear, the Panthers would finish Round 1 on 4 faults. Team Owner Jenn Gates said: “These riders have been great all year so it’s a pleasure to be here, but I want them to do well as they have been working hard and so deserve it. I’m so proud, Rob [Hoeskstra]’s done an amazing job with this group of riders, so who knows what will happen in the next round.”
?SECOND ROUND
Uliano Vezzani’s second round was another substantial world class challenge, with fences at full height and width. This course saw the return of the troublesome Prague Flag plank, the unusual design catching our many riders in the Quarter and Semi Final. The final fence, a delicate GCL vertical, was set near the in-gate – the plain red poles easily toppled as riders rushed to make the time allowed of 69 seconds.
Madrid In Motion
Mark McAuley – Vivaldi du Theil
Maikel van der Vleuten – Dana Blue
Eduardo Alvarez Aznar – Rokfeller de Pleville Bois Margot
With 16 faults already on their scoreboard, last year’s GCL Super Cup winners Madrid in Motion had everything to do. First in Mark McAuley entered the arena with Vivaldi du Theil but the back bar of the Astronomical Clock fell, as did the final GCL vertical – putting the team on 24. Maikel van der Vleuten and Dana Blue survived some lucky rubs, the pair finishing clear and passing the baton to Eduardo Alvarez Aznar with Rokfeller de Pleville Bois Margot. They put in a valiant attempt to deliver a clear, but the total result of 24 meant the team would not take the trophy home the GCL Super Cup again this year.
Monaco Aces
Laura Kraut – Confu
Jos Verlooy (U25) – Igor
Julien Epaillard – Queeletta
With a team total of 13 the Monaco Aces returned to the ring – Laura Kraut first to go again aboard Confu. The grey gelding jumped his heart out for the American, the pair producing the much-needed clear, Kraut punching her first in delight. U25 rider Jos Verlooy and Igor had the final element of the triple down, with Verlooy working hard to keep the keen horse straight – the team would move to a total of 17 faults. Final rider to go Julian Epaillard came back with Queeletta, the dark bay mare jumping the first part of the course perfectly. But they had the second oxer in the painted pink double down, the team finishing their campaign on 21 overall.
Valkenswaard United
Marcus Ehning – Comme Il Faut
Frank Schuttert – Queensland E
Cian O’Connor – PSG Final
Marcus Ehning returned aboard Comme Il Faut, Valkenswaard United on their score of 12 so far. Ehning dared the horse on a tight turn to the triple combination, the stallion tucking his knees up tightly to lear the challenge. But their hopes were crushed as both parts of the pink double fell, the team dropping to a score of 20 faults. Next in Frank Schuttert and Queensland E had drama after the 10 year-old gelding refused at the CarTech BMW vertical, and another pole at the final element in the triple combination would plummet the team to a score of 30 with Cian O’Connor and PSG Final still to jump. They pulled off a sensational clear, but United would not make the podium.
Shanghai Swans
?Peder Fredricson – H&M Christian K
Pius Schwizer – Cortney Cox
Daniel Deusser – Jasmien vd Bisschop
First in for the Swans Peder Fredricson rode H&M Christian K pulled out all the stops for the team, producing a foot-perfect clear for the team to keep them on a tally of 4 faults. Next in Pius Schwizer and Cortney Cox had an early fence – the CarTech BMW vertical falling. The second part of the painted pink double also tumbled, the Swans’ score ticking up to 12. Final rider to go Daniel Deusser and Jasmien vd Bisschop knew only a clear could keep them in with a chance. The mare put in a immense leap to clear the penultimate oxer, finishing clear and putting the Swans in a podium position. Speaking after the round Peder said “The horses jumped great. It was two great courses today, it was difficult but ridable – there are good horses here so it has to be [challenging].”
Paris Panthers
Darragh Kenny – Romeo 88
Nayel Nassar – Lucifer V
Gregory Wathelet – MJT Nevados S
The Panthers started on a score of 4 but Darragh Kenny and Romeo 88 had the Czech Equestrian Team oxer down – the first pole Kenny has knocked all week. Another pole at the GCL oxer would drop the Paris Panthers to 12, on a level pegging with the Shanghai Swans with two riders left to go. Nayel Nassar and Lucifer V couldn’t afford an error, but the blue oxer fell, putting the team on a score of 16, victory escaping their clutches. Another pole down at the oxer, the painted pink plank and the final fence cost them dearly – the Panthers would fall off the podium on a total of 28. Final rider to go Gregory Wathelet and MJT Nevados S kept their cool to come home clear, but it would be a gut-wrenching result for the team who had looked on such phenomenal form all week.
Cannes Stars
Jane Richard Philips – Clipper du Haut du Roy
Maurice Tebbel (U25) – Don Diarado
Abdel Saïd – Jumpy van de Hermitage
All the pressure was on the Cannes Stars to see if they could keep the lead and take the 2019 win. First to go was Jane Richard Philips and Clipper du Haut du Roy, carrying forward their Round 1 score of 1. The duo survived a lucky rub at the triple but came too deep into the Longines oxer. Another pole at the painted pink oxer would drop them to 9 – meaning both Tebbel and Saïd could not knock a single pole to keep their dreams of a win alive. U25 Maurice Tebbel and Don Diarado produced another breath-taking round, looking on song, but there was heartache as the GC Prague Playoffs oxer fell, and a time fault put the team on 14 – handing the win to the Swans. Final rider to go Abdel Saïd and Jumpy van de Hermitage had so much pressure on their shoulders, but a further 12 faults would see the team off the podium with a total score of 26 – a disappointing end to the Stars’ campaign.
So it would conclude a phenomenal week of top sport and entertainment – a blockbuster showcase of the world’s top show jumping athletes and the perfect end of the 2019 season of the Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL team series.
Source: LGCT/GCL website
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