Edited press release from Global Champions League
On the thrilling opening night of the GC Riyadh Playoffs, the GCL Super Cup Quarter Final served up unexpected twists, notably as the Shanghai Swans showcased their prowess, mirroring last year’s Quarter Final success by once again ascending to the top of the leaderboard. The spotlight shone brightly on the exceptional performances delivered by top riders: Ben Maher (GBR) riding the tenacious Point Break (Action-Breaker x Balou du Rouet), Max Kühner (AUT) aboard the striking Elektric Blue P (Eldorado vd Zeshoek x For Pleasure), and Daniel Deusser (GER) competently managing Killer Queen VDM (Eldorado vd Zeshoek x For Pleasure). Their impressive results propelled the team into a commanding lead as they prepared for Thursday’s next round of competition.
In a surprising turn of events, eight teams advanced to the Semi-Final, while the Monaco Aces fueled by Lion of Porches and the 2018 GCL Super Cup Madrid In Motion faced early exits, marking a dramatic conclusion to their hopes on the very first day of the 2024 GC Riyadh Playoffs.
With a flawless performance, the Shanghai Swans captured the top spot, finishing as the only team to achieve a clean sheet across their three horse-and-rider combinations. In a post-competition debrief at the GCTV studio, Deusser, Kühner, and Maher reflected on their collective confidence and the journey leading to this moment. “Through the season we didn’t jump many times together with these horses,” Maher stated thoughtfully. “We really came this week with the experienced horses and hopefully we’ll put it all together going through the week.”
Sharing in the excitement, Kühner, a teammate and fellow veteran of the GC Playoffs, remarked: “It’s a good start for sure, but we know that a lot can happen. Even if we have the best riders in the world and some of the best horses, a lot of things can happen. But we will go for it. The Playoffs are always something special, and for us, of course, something special, where we want to show off, we want to be good and I think we put all our strength together with the best horses that we have, and now we will try.”
Tess Carmicheal, co-owner of the Shanghai Swans, expressed her pride in the team’s stellar performance, stating: “I’m just over the moon with the team’s performance this evening. You really can’t ask for more than three solid clear rounds. We know that nothing is a given in this sport, so although we really appreciate this start, we will continue to fight for the rest of the weekend!”
The top four teams from the GCL 2024 season—Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames, Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland Equestrian, Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses, and Doha Falcons—are set to rejoin the action in Thursday’s Semi-Final, where all 12 teams will commence with a clean slate, ensuring an exhilarating continuation of the competition.
What key elements do you believe contribute to effective horse-rider communication during high-pressure competitions, such as the GC Riyadh Playoffs?
**Interview with Elena Martinez, Equestrian Sports Analyst**
*Editor:* Welcome, Elena! Thank you for joining us to discuss the exciting events at the 2024 GC Riyadh Playoffs. It seems the opening night was quite dramatic. Can you share your thoughts on the Shanghai Swans’ impressive performance?
*Elena Martinez:* Thank you for having me! The Shanghai Swans absolutely stole the show during the GCL Super Cup Quarter Final. Their performance not only mirrored their success from last year but also showcased the depth of skill and strategy they possess as a team. Riders like Ben Maher, Max Kühner, and Daniel Deusser demonstrated exceptional talent, particularly with their horses, which were in remarkable condition. Maher’s ride on Point Break was particularly noteworthy as he executed a perfect combination of speed and control.
*Editor:* Indeed, the top riders made quite an impression. What factors do you think contributed to the Swans’ success in this round?
*Elena Martinez:* A few key factors played into their success. First, the chemistry between the riders and their horses was evident; they were in sync and showcased excellent communication. Additionally, the team likely prepared extensively for this event, having studied their competition and the course design. Lastly, their mental toughness in handling the pressure of a high-stakes environment like Riyadh can’t be understated.
*Editor:* It sounds like they were well-prepared. However, we also saw some surprising turnarounds, such as the early exits of teams like the Monaco Aces. What do you think went wrong for them?
*Elena Martinez:* The Monaco Aces’ early exit was indeed surprising. Competitive events like this have a high level of unpredictability—one small error can lead to significant penalties. It looks like they may have struggled with the course’s technical challenges or simply had an off day. In high-level competitions, even the best teams can falter. They will likely need to reassess their strategies moving forward.
*Editor:* Looking ahead, what can we anticipate for the next rounds of competition in Riyadh?
*Elena Martinez:* The upcoming rounds promise to be thrilling! With eight teams advancing, there will be fierce competition as teams strategize and adapt. The Shanghai Swans have set a high bar, but other teams such as the Stockholm Hearts and the Berlin Eagles will be vying for the top spots as well. I’m particularly excited to see how the riders handle the increasing pressure as the playoffs progress.
*Editor:* Thank you, Elena, for your insights! It sounds like we’re in for an exciting continuation of the GC Riyadh Playoffs.
*Elena Martinez:* Thank you! I’m looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds. The stakes are high, and the talent on display will be remarkable.