Prague Lions claim maximum points in edge-of-your-seat GCL of Valkenswaard
August 22, 2025The Longines Tops International Arena buzzed with excitement as spectators gathered to witness the thrilling action of the GCL in Valkenswaard. Seasoned fans and newcomers watched on as Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team’s, Pieter Devos with Lente and Primo DV and Fernando Martinez Sommer riding Joep soared to victory on the only team on four faults.
Home team Valkenswaard United extended their lead in the dramatic championship race with a second place finish from Gilles Thomas on two nine year olds Qalista DN and Qiara de Kalvarie, fighting it out alongside teammate Hans-Dieter Dreher riding Vestmalle des Cotis and the ultra consistent Elysium. Storming ahead, in 2025 alone they have now secured six podiums, three of which were wins and three second places.
While Scandinavian Vikings landed on their first podium of the season taking third with mid-season transfer Amanda Landeblad on Springfield 21, Jur Vrieling with Kannan JR and Sara Vingralkova and Rock'n Roll Mxl.
“It was about time that we won!” exclaimed Pieter Devos of the Prague Lions. He went on to add, “We’ve actually had a really good season till now, but we were a few times just missing out on top spot, but today we were able to make it to the top of the podium so we couldn’t be happier for the Prague Lions!”
A stage of the season that meant a lot for championship points and overall season standings, with the GC Prague Playoffs and the GCL Super Cup now creeping to front of mind, Pieter went on to say, “I think today was very important for us, particularly the win gives us some extra championship points - our team manager Anna said we need to ‘be on the ball’ - towards the end of the season it is important for us to stay in the top four. Last season we just missed out, so hopefully we can keep this position and maybe creep up a little bit more.”
Talking to GCTV a beaming Gilles Thomas, following Rosie Turner’s summary of their season success so far, smiled and pointed at his leading team armband sitting proudly, and said: “It’s been going pretty well this season, which is why we are still wearing these!”
Teammate Hans added, “We are a really strong team, but the year is not over, we have some fighting to do [to retain top spot] - but we will do it!”
With team manager and Gier Gulleksin watching on from the kiss and cry, mid season transfer acquisition Amanda Landeblad smiled: “It’s my second time riding for the team, but honestly, today couldn’t have felt better.” She added, “It’s such a good experience for me to ride with someone like Jur [Vrieling], and to be at all these amazing venues and locations, it’s very, very nice to be here”.
The overall Championship drama intensifies as two time GCL Champions Valkenswaard United pull away from Shanghai Swans on 2018 points to 203 points. Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames drop to third on 198 points but Prague Lions secure their place in the top four after today’s win with 172 points as stage 10 came to a close.
Drama in Round 1 was brought to a crescendo with Madrid in Motion, formerly placed fifth on the championship leaderboard with Kim Emmen aboard Kesmitt Dmh dropping two rails, and an uncharacteristic runout from Manuel Fernandez Saro and 11 year old Ezilis du Mesnil, meaning team elimination… potentially crushing their dream of a top four placing in Championship this year.
As for round 2? Three teams entered on a clean sheet - Scandinavian Vikings, Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames and Paris Panthers who were taking pole position heading into round 2. But with five teams on just a single rail down it was still anyone's game.
The Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses went all-out attack in Valkenswaard, after being on the back foot with 8 faults to carry over from round 1. Malin Baryard-Johnsson and H&M Indiana opened with pace and a flawless clear, while Nicola Philippaerts had a fast but four fault round on Katanga v/h Dingeshof. Ultimately 12 faults left them playing catch-up - and looking ahead to redemption.
On home soil, Valkenswaard United delivered a battle-worthy performance that kept the crowd on edge. Hans-Dieter Dreher and his superstar stallions Elysium flew the flag with power and pace, while Gilles Thomas delivered a flawless clear in Round 2 aboard the electric Qalista DN. A total of 8 faults, but in a rapid time was enough to fly into the lead for the time being - a strong statement as the season reaches its critical stage.
It was a champion’s charge from the Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team as they roared to the top of the leaderboard immediately after the home heros. Fernando Martinez Sommer set the tone with a razor-sharp clear aboard Joep, before Pieter Devos unleashed Primo DV, combining brilliance and nerve to keep their cool under pressure. Just 4 faults over two rounds and a blistering combined time left them with a nervous wait to see if they had done enough with still 5 teams to go…
Shanghai Swans showed pure sparks of brilliance. Ben Maher delivered again with Enjeu de Grisien with his trademark ice-cool control, while an uncharacteristic two down for Daniel Deusser who piloted Otello de Guldenboom left them on 12 faults after both rounds, but the Swans’ speed kept them in the game.
The Rome Gladiators powered by Cavalira Toscana brought muscle to the field. Emanuele Gaudiano looked fierce on Chalou’s Love PS and Crack Balou, while Roy van Beek threw down bold rounds with Cavoiro – H OLD and Diamant de Quidam – H OLD. It was a fight to the finish, but 8 faults in a slow time knocked them just off the podium.
Scandinavian Vikings had to perform in order to get ahead of Paris Panthers at the bottom of the leaderboard to secure their place at the GC Prague Playoffs in November. The pressure didn’t get to new signing Amanda Landeblad who gave Springfield 21 a stylish debut clear round. Jur Vrieling couldn’t match the round on Kannan JR with two rails falling leaving the gap wide open for the two remaining teams to go.
It was another flawless clear from Sophie Hinners and Iron Dames Singclair for the Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames as the team looked on track to land on yet another podium until there was drama at the first fence for their second rider. New recruit Giulia Martinengo Marquet proved just how interesting this sport can get with a refusal at the first fence costing them crucial championship points as they finished right down the order.
The Panthers prowled in Valkenswaard Round 2 but couldn’t quite find their pounce. Alexa Ferrer delivered a clear in Round 1 aboard the fiery Vitalhorse Fleur d’Oz, but faults crept in for Sierra du Piederoux Z and Celine Schoonbroodt-de Azevedo in Round 2. Despite the talent in the stable it was 12 faults in total handing the win to Prague Lions as they finished seventh - with eyes now firmly set on regrouping and roaring back in the next stage.
As the sun set over the picturesque Longines Tops International Arena, celebrations continued with music, live entertainment, and an atmosphere to remember. Spectators and competitors alike enjoyed an unforgettable day of top sport. The Championship race now heads to Riesenbeck, where the stakes will rise once again from 11–14 September 2025.
