21 November 2024

The GCL Super Cup Semi-Final delivered an unforgettable rollercoaster of drama and emotion, setting the stage for Sunday’s hotly anticipated Final. In this electrifying knockout round and pivotal second day of the GC Riyadh Playoffs, the competition was halved, narrowing the field in the heart-stopping GCL Super Cup Final.

With the stakes higher than ever, favourites like Valkenswaard United and Rome Gladiators powered by ClipMyHorse.TV faced shock eliminations, leaving fans stunned. Meanwhile, the Shanghai Swans dominated for the second day, clinching the Semi-Final and securing pole position for Saturday’s €6.5 million GCL Super Cup Final.

Riders made their entrance through the iconic 'Walk of Champions,' greeted by a wave of cheers from the crowd, amplifying the charged atmosphere. From awe-inspiring athleticism to edge-of-your-seat twists, the Semi-Final delivered a spectacle of stirring sportsmanship and suspense, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the Final’s grand crescendo.

Joining Marc Lewis in the GCTV studio, the entire Shanghai Swans team were buzzing knowing they were sitting pretty ahead of the ‘last dance’ in Saturday’s Super Cup Final. Daniel Deusser said, “We came very strong to the GC Playoffs with our best horses here. We have experienced horses, we have experienced riders in our team, but in the Super Cup rounds, it always starts on zero again. The last two days we had it organised really well, we swapped Max for Christian today, which worked well. The team looks very good and hopefully we can perform the same way on Saturday night.”

Taking the backseat today, Max Kühner was on the ground to support and provide an expert pair of eyes to his teammates - a position he is not often in. Speaking of the experience, he said, “I have no experience in watching, I am more experienced in riding myself. You just want to support them and there is always some tension in the air. But all of them did a fantastic job. We have great horses, we have great riders, so already two very good days for us and now we hope for the Final.”

One of the day’s biggest surprises came from the Scandinavian Vikings, who barely clinched a place in the Semi-Final the day before. Without world number one Henrik von Eckermann in Riyadh, the team still made their mark, led by Donald Whitaker and Millfield Colette, setting the standard as the first to compete.

The stakes were sky-high, with every team pushing hard to secure a coveted top-six position. Donald’s debut in the GCL proved unforgettable, delivering a brilliant clear round. A determined ride from Nicola Pohl and Jean Couture followed, though two costly rails in the first combination added pressure. It was anchorman Jur Vrieling and Helwell du Chabus who held the team together, finishing on 8 faults and leaving the Vikings in an agonising wait for the final results.

Despite the mounting tension, the Vikings’ performance held strong, earning them a spot in the GCL Super Cup Final and proving they’re a force to be reckoned with under pressure. A beaming team owner and manager Gier Gulliksen expressed, “We all start again on zero on Saturday. I’m not starting to look for problems, I am looking for possibilities and we did that from day one, and now we’re here!”

Qualifying in fourth place for Saturday’s GCL Super Cup Final, the Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team demonstrated remarkable resilience. Niels Bruynseels on Origi vd Vosberg and Fernando Martinez Sommer with Lady van de Haarterhoeve delivered flawless clear rounds. Despite an uncharacteristic eight faults from GCL’s U25 Rider of the Year, Thibeau Spits on King van Essene, the Lions edged ahead of the Scandinavian Vikings to secure their spot in the final showdown.