As the Longines Global Champions Tour returned to Germany, the opening day of 5* sporting action at Riesenbeck International set the tone for an electrifying weekend of top sport. Against the dramatic backdrop of one of the most celebrated equestrian venues, the CSI5* 1.45m Speed Class presented by Four Seasons Private Residences saw 47 of the world’s best combinations take on a masterful course designed by Frank Rothenberger, Peter Schumacher and their team.

The skies held firm as the heartbeat of German show jumping welcomed Stage 11 of the LGCT and GCL championship race. Spectators were treated to a high-octane class where precision and speed defined the final outcome.

Sweden’s decorated former Longines Global Champions Tour Champion, Peder Fredricson, and the 11-year-old SV Vroom de la Pomme Z stole the spotlight with a blistering round of 62.66 seconds, securing the day’s win and €7,050 in prize money. The pair stopped the clock nearly two seconds faster than early leader Giulia Martinengo Marquet with Coynor, who had held pole position for much of the class.

Speaking to GCTV after claiming top honours, Peder exclaimed - “It’s always nice to win! I wish it was the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix!”

As for what gave the duo the winning edge? He said, “My horse has a really long stride, we could take away strides here and there, and he doesn’t spend so much time in the air.”

Hot on their heels, the flying Frenchman Simon Delestre and Nascar van 't Siamshof produced a smooth, daring round but had to settle for third by less than a second. Brazil’s Yuri Mansur and Incanto VDL claimed fourth, while Denmark’s Zascha Nygaard piloted Miss Kanilvia PS into fifth. Rounding out the top six was Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann with Qasirah van de Reistenhoek, finishing just fractions behind.

Several favourites were left ruing their chances after uncharacteristic mistakes. Rails fell for Oliver Lazarus and Miss Paris, home favourite David Will on Xixo Borgia, and Celine Schoonbroodt-de Azevedo with Jacarta Equigenne, pushing them out of contention in what proved to be a fiercely competitive speed contest.

Top 6 Results – CSI5* 1.45m Against the Clock presented by Four Seasons Private Residences

1. Peder Fredricson (SWE) – SV Vroom de la Pomme Z | 0 | 62.66
2. Giulia Martinengo Marquet (ITA) – Coynor | 0 | 64.54
3. Simon Delestre (FRA) – Nascar van 't Siamshof | 0 | 65.31
4. Yuri Mansur (BRA) – Incanto VDL | 0 | 66.65
5. Zascha Nygaard (DEN) – Miss Kanilvia PS | 0 | 68.76
6. Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) – Qasirah van de Reistenhoek | 0 | 68.88

With opening day honours secured, attention now shifts to the much-anticipated GCL of Riesenbeck tomorrow at 13:30 local time, where the home team Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym will be aiming for maximum points in front of their home crowd.

FULL RESULTS