Riesenbeck International played host to the ninth stage of the 2026 Global Champions League season on Saturday, where 17 teams lined up for round one in front of an enthusiastic crowd. The challenging two-round format quickly produced its first surprises as several pre-event favourites failed to secure a place in the decisive second round.
The Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team laid down an early marker with the only double clear performance of the opening round. Abdel Saïd (BEL) and Wathnan Bonne Amie, together with Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) aboard Qasirah van de Reistenhoek, put the defending champions in the ideal position heading into round two. It was Von Eckermann's first clear round of the season and a particularly popular one with the Riesenbeck crowd, where the world number one spent many successful years as a rider for Beerbaum Stables.
Only the top ten teams progressed to the second round, meaning several leading contenders were eliminated. Current championship leaders Team Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym missed out on a place in the final alongside Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames, Valkenswaard United and the Shanghai Swans.
Course designer Peter Schumacher and his team once again presented a demanding track for round two, with the time allowed proving just as influential as the fences.
The Basel Cosmopolitans powered by Les Trois Rois produced one of the strongest performances of the afternoon. Marlon Modolo Zanotelli (BRA) delivered two immaculate clear rounds, first aboard the experienced Dorette OLD before repeating the feat with the impressive 13-year-old Ilex, by Baltic VDL. For the second round, Denmark's Zascha Nygaard replaced Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) and completed a faultless performance aboard the Kannan stallion Com'on Drako de Maugre. The team finished on a total of eight penalties and moved into the lead.
The Doha Falcons also mounted a serious challenge after Sanne Thijssen (NED) produced two excellent clear rounds with Joviality, while Victor Bettendorf (LUX) kept Madrid in Motion in contention with faultless performances aboard both Gibbs un Prince and Qwando van de Rispen.
Attention then turned to the final three teams from round one.
The St Tropez Pirates were first to return. Jeanne Sadran (FRA) and Gloire Gravelotte incurred eight faults before Jérôme Guéry (BEL) and Kiliman Sitte added twelve more. Their total of 24 penalties saw the team drop down the leaderboard.
The Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team started round two carrying only three time penalties from the opening round and remained well within podium contention. However, Anna Kellnerová (CZE) and Kristalline des Bergeries added 19 penalties before Fernando Martinez Sommer (MEX) and Joep finished on four faults. Their final total of 26 penalties ended their hopes of another podium finish.
That left the Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team as the final team to enter the arena. Starting the second round on a perfect score, they effectively held two fences in hand over their nearest rivals. Abdel Saïd opted for the talented nine-year-old Grandorado TN-son Wathnan Max and added just a single rail to the score. Everything then rested with Henrik von Eckermann and Qasirah van de Reistenhoek.
Having been flawless in round one, the Swedish star once again produced a polished round, but the ten-year-old Emerald mare clipped a top rail. A collective sigh echoed around the arena as the pole fell. Von Eckermann kept his composure to finish on four faults, leaving the Istanbul Warriors on a total of eight penalties—exactly matching the Basel Cosmopolitans.
The stage victory therefore came down to time. Basel stopped the clock in a combined 144.70 seconds, narrowly beating Istanbul's 151.43 seconds to secure a historic first-ever Global Champions League victory. The Doha Falcons completed the podium in third place on 14 penalties in a time of 158.62 seconds.
The victory marked the Basel Cosmopolitans' first triumph since joining the Global Champions League and provided a fitting storyline during the league's tenth anniversary season.
"We're incredibly happy," said Marlon Modolo Zanotelli. "To be honest, it was a little unexpected, but we knew we had to put pressure on the teams behind us and today everything came together."
Team-mate Nicola Philippaerts added: "We have a fantastic team spirit, excellent riders and great horse-and-rider combinations. I think this victory is thoroughly deserved and it's nice to finally get our first win."
The result also tightened the championship battle. Team Riesenbeck International powered by HorseGym continues to lead the overall standings on 171 points, ahead of the Basel Cosmopolitans on 156 and the Istanbul Warriors on 151. The Prague Lions drop to fourth place on 144 points.
Earlier in the day, the five-star programme got underway with the GCL Individual Competition. Laura Kraut (USA) claimed victory in the Kingsland Trophy aboard her longtime partner Baloutinue. Bertram Allen (IRL) and Qonquest de Rigo finished second, while Germany's Jörne Sprehe completed the podium with Toys.
The Global Champions League now moves to London, Great Britain, for the tenth stage of the 2026 season from 7–9 August.
