Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, October – 26, 2023 – Have the Paris Panthers handed the Championship Title to the Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland Equestrian?
Jur Vrieling‘s star horse Long John Silver 3 N.O.P has been sold as announced by SF Equestrian, meaning he is not in Riyadh to help Paris Panthers in their bid for GCL Championship Glory.
Speaking exclusively to Global Champions, Jur Vrieling (NED) said: “I’m going to miss him a lot, especially here in Riyadh, and for the GC Prague Playoffs. Long John is a once-in-a-lifetime horse, he has all the scope, is careful, and has a great, great attitude.
“It’s quite hard that he has been sold, but we have to go on, and I still think that we have a chance to beat Riesenbeck International. For sure it is not getting easier, but we will give it a good try, and I hope Ben and Harrie are going to deliver some really good rounds. We will fight for it.”
The team nominations are in, with horses now on the ground in Riyadh. Even with the omission of Long John Silver 3 N.O.P, Paris Panthers are set for battle with the ultra-consistent Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland Equestrian. While it is yet to be announced which horses and riders will be competing in GCL Round 1 and Round 2, we can announce who is on each team roster for the GCL Championship Final.
Paris Panthers
Ben Maher (GBR) & Faltic HB
Jur Vierling (NED) & Grifin van de Hefinck
Harrie Smolders (NED) & Deessee de Kerglenn & Uricas van der Kattevennen
Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland Equestrian
Christian Kukuk (GER) & Checker 47
Philipp Weishaupt (GER) & Mescorial PS & Zineday
Eoin McMahon (IRL) & Christians Carado & Mila
So just how will the Championship Final unfold?
GCL CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
AHEAD OF STAGE 15 & THE CHAMPIONSHIP FINALE IN RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA
1st Place – Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland Equestrian – 302 points
2nd Place – Paris Panthers – 299 points
All eyes will be on the main arena in Riyadh nestled at the King Abdullah Financial District, with the action to be streamed LIVE and ON DEMAND on GCTV.
Source: Press Release from Global Champions League
Photos: © GCL – Global Champions League
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