Shanghai Swans Secure Sensational Third GCL Mexico City Win
Mdmar – Mexico City – GCL
The GCL of Mexico City presented by GNP Seguros delivered yet another thrilling chapter in the 2025 championship race, as the world’s best teams battled for supremacy at the iconic Campo Marte. With a roaring crowd fueling the intensity, two rounds of electrifying competition unfolded, culminating in a dramatic shake-up of the overall standings.
Rising to the occasion, the Shanghai Swans delivered a flawless performance, executing a masterclass in precision and strategy to claim a dominant victory. The only team to finish on a clean sheet, their impeccable second-round display sent a resounding message to their championship rivals.
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The atmosphere reached fever pitch as Max Kühner delivered under intense pressure aboard EIC Cooley Jump the Q, securing the win with a flawless clear. Earlier in the competition, teammate Katharina Rhomberg set the tone with a pivotal round, playing a key role in the Swans’ triumph. She was one of the only riders to produce a double clear on two different horses, following a strong opening-round performance from team anchor Christian Ahlmann.
Overwhelmed with emotion in the GCTV Studio, a beaming Katharina Rhomberg struggled to put the moment into words as she stood alongside her Shanghai Swans teammate, Max Kühner. “I can’t believe it, actually,” she said. “It’s like a dream – riding here at this incredible venue, at such an amazing show, and winning? It’s just incredible!”
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The battle for podium positions was just as fierce, with current championship leaders Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames and Riesenbeck International powered by HorseGym pushing each other to the final fence. Cannes Stars secured a hard-fought second place, finishing on just four faults, thanks to standout performances from Sanne Thijsen aboard the renowned Con Quidam RB and Katrin Eckermann with Iron Dames Cala Mandia NRW. Meanwhile, 2023 GCL Champions Riesenbeck International showcased their trademark consistency and resilience, clinching third place with strong rounds from new signings Marco Kutscher and Maximilian Weishaupt.
Katrin Eckermann couldn’t hide her delight after delivering clear rounds on both her mounts in Round 1 and Round 2. She said, “I have to say, both my horses jumped incredibly… With this team spirit around us, it’s a lot of fun, and I really enjoyed my rounds.”
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As the dust settled in Mexico City, the 2025 championship standings saw a major shake-up. Cannes Stars extended their lead to 55 points, while Shanghai Swans surged into second with 41 points. Prague Lions remain in close contention on 38 points, setting the stage for an intense battle in the upcoming stages.Marco Kutscher reflected on the crucial 21 championship points earned by Riesenbeck International powered by HorseGym in Stage 2, with the team’s fresh lineup securing a strong fifth-place position. He said, “Congratulations to my teammates Max [Weishaupt] and Emanuele Camilli, who rode the first round. We’re really happy with that third place, and climbing the championship standings is excellent.”
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With eight teams producing flawless performances in Round 1 and four others trailing by just a single rail, the competition was wide open heading into Round 2. Three teams – Valkenswaard United, New York Empire powered by Lugano, and Rome Gladiators powered by Cavalleria Toscana – stuck with their original horse-and-rider combinations, putting their trust in their squads.
Round 2 delivered nonstop drama as the 1.60m track put even the sport’s biggest names to the test. Show jumping legends John Whitaker and Simon Delestre both encountered unexpected stops mid-round, underscoring the course’s formidable challenge. It wasn’t until Denis Lynch and Vistogrand entered the arena for New York Empire powered by Lugano that the first clear round was recorded. However, two rails down from Michael Pender and HHS Los Angeles left the team on a total of 12 faults across both rounds – though their fast time kept them in the lead for a significant stretch.
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Hopes were high for the home team, Mexico Amigos powered by H5 Stables, as Eduardo Pereira de Menezes and Hot N Spicy entered the arena, backed by the roaring support of the crowd. But an unfortunate two rails down pushed them out of podium contention, much to the disappointment of their passionate fans. Fan favorite Carlos Hank Guerreiro and H5 Shaq Attack added another four faults, finishing the day on a total of 16.
Riesenbeck International, fielding a relatively new team, put themselves in a strong position with just four faults after impressive rounds from Marco Kutscher aboard Aventador S and Maximilian Weishaupt on DSP Omerta Incipit. Meanwhile, Madrid In Motion soared to new heights as Manuel Fernandez Saro and Ezilis du Mesnil delivered a flawless double clear. But their strategic horse swap for Maikel van der Vleuten proved costly – a single rail down and a heart-wrenching time fault on O’Bailey vh Brouwershof N.O.P. left them just off the podium in fourth with five faults.
Shanghai Swans meant business, bringing out the big guns for Round 2. Max Kühner, riding EIC Cooley Jump the Q, delivered an immaculate clear, followed by a stunning double clear from new recruit Katharina Rhomberg and Cuma 5. Their flawless performance rocketed them to the top of the leaderboard, sending the Mexican crowd into a frenzy.
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Doha Falcons set off at full speed with a high-risk, high-reward strategy, but their gamble didn’t pay off. Julien Anquetin and Fulldollar de Raygade picked up eight costly faults, knocking them out of podium contention. A solid clear from Jérôme Guery aboard Great Britain V helped the squad secure a top-five finish.
Reigning GCL Champions Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames looked poised for back-to-back wins after their flawless performance in Doha and pole position heading into Round 2. But an early rail from Sanne Thijssen and Con Quidam RB handed the win to Shanghai Swans. A blazing fast clear from Katrin Eckermann and Iron Dames Cala Mandia Nrw kept them in the race, securing second place on four faults with a time of 158.51 seconds – critical points for the championship standings.
With momentum shifting and the championship battle intensifying, all eyes now turn to Shanghai. As the GCL season moves to its next thrilling destination, the race for glory is far from over.
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