The GCL of Mexico presented by GNP Seguros delivered another unforgettable chapter in the 2026 championship race as St Tropez Pirates powered to a dramatic first win of the season at the iconic Campo Marte, mastering the pressure of two-round competition in front of a passionate, sold-out crowd. Against the electric backdrop of Mexico City, where atmosphere and expectation run high, it was a performance defined by composure, tactical clarity and razor-thin margins.

In a finish that underlined the intensity of the new GCL format, St Tropez Pirates secured victory on a total of just four faults, stopping the clock in 147.23 seconds in Round 2. Hot on their heels, Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team matched them on four faults but fell just short on time with 148.99 seconds. Rounding out an ultra-competitive podium, Basel Cosmopolitans powered by Les Trois Rois also delivered on four penalties, crossing the line in 149.41 seconds to secure third.

For the winning team, it marked a breakthrough moment early in the season, with a blend of experience and emerging talent coming together when it mattered most.

Speaking after their victory, Kaitlin Campbell, competing in her first season on tour, reflected on a landmark result: “This feeling is definitely not normal - I’m super happy to be here and we had an amazing result today. The whole team, PG and also Jérôme behind the scenes, does an incredible job keeping us focused and making sure everything goes to plan. Walking into the arena with that crowd is incredible - it just makes the horses jump even higher.”

Her teammate Piergiorgio Bucci added: “Magnificent show, the crowd is amazing and the mare was really good. I’m very happy. Thank you to my teammate Kathleen - she had an amazing double clear, we were lucky to be fast enough.”

Pushing them all the way to the final seconds, Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team delivered a statement performance to take second place.

Simon Delestre smiled: “A good start to the season - we’re really happy as the team did a fantastic job. I always say there’s a fantastic spirit within this team. Thank you to everyone and to the team manager for the support, even when things aren’t going as planned. Today is a great day for the team.”

Abdel Saïd then spoke to GCTV: “It’s always an honour to be in a class like this. Today I really focused on jumping clear - I knew a lot could happen, especially with that line into the double, so to be in contention you first have to be clear.”

Completing the podium, Basel Cosmopolitans powered by Les Trois Rois showcased consistency and precision across both rounds to secure third place. Zascha Nygaard commented: “I’m very happy - it’s such a beautiful show and the horses are jumping great in this arena. The ground has been prepared beautifully, the course-building team has done an excellent job, and the whole atmosphere - from the crowd to the hospitality - really sets a high standard. I’m really pleased with my horses. I just missed a little bit to the last jump in the second round, which is a shame.”

Today in Mexico City also reflected the continued collaboration with Years of Culture, celebrating the values of connection, exchange and shared experiences through sport. Set against one of the most vibrant destinations on the calendar, the partnership added another meaningful dimension to a memorable stage of the 2026 season.

Victory for St Tropez Pirates

With only the top 10 teams from round one progressing to the second round, every rail and every second mattered in one of the most intense formats of show jumping. As the atmosphere built beneath the Mexico City skyline, it was St Tropez Pirates who held their nerve to claim top honours on four faults in a combined time of 147.23 seconds.

Piergiorgio Bucci laid down the challenge with a superb clear aboard Pallieter vd N.Ranchin 72.87 seconds, before Kaitlin Campbell held her composure with Karius to add another clear in 74.36 seconds. Their faultless second round elevated them to the top of the poidum just keeping four faults from round 1. 

Podium Finishers

A stylish clear from Abdel Saïd aboard Wathnan Bonne Amie in 77.44 seconds kept the pressure on the leaders, but four faults from Simon Delestre and Golden Boy DK proved costly despite a rapid 71.55 second round. Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team secured second place on four faults overall in 148.99 seconds.

Clear riding from Olivier Philippaerts aboard Miro in 75.42 seconds, followed by four faults for Zascha Nygaard and Com'On Drako de Maugre in 73.99 seconds, sealed a strong comeback performance for Basel Cosmopolitans powered by Les Trois Rois. Their combined tally of four faults in 149.41 seconds secured a valuable third place finish.

Chasing the Podium

A determined round from Max Wachman aboard Fancy de Kergane produced a brilliant clear in 75.90 seconds, while Michael Pender added four faults with HHS Los Angeles in 75.85 seconds. That left New York Empire powered by Lugano narrowly missing the podium in fourth on four faults in 151.75 seconds.

One of the standout rounds of the day came from Christian Kukuk, who delivered a lightning-fast clear aboard Checker 47 in 69.98 seconds. Ciaran Nallon backed it up with another clear on Casalla Blue PS in 75.29 seconds, helping Riesenbeck International powered by HorseGym climb to fifth on eight faults from round 1 in 145.27 seconds.

Four faults from Pieter Devos aboard Panamarenka van den Blauwaert in 72.64 seconds and another eight from Niels Bruynseels with Credibilis van het Lindenhof Z in 74.56 seconds saw Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team finish sixth overall on twelve faults in 147.20 seconds.

Fighting Through the Final

Pim Mulder added four faults aboard Viktor Z in 73.65 seconds before Annelies Vorsselmans also incurred four faults with VDL Kelton in 75.18 seconds. Cairo Pharaohs remained competitive throughout the day to secure seventh place on twelve faults in 148.83 seconds.

Jessica Mendoza returned with Summerhouse and collected eight faults in 75.96 seconds, while Nathan Budd added twelve with H'Aubigny de Talma despite a quick 72.60 second effort. Doha Falcons were unable to recover from round one pressure and finished eighth on twenty faults in 148.56 seconds.

Eight faults from Thibault Philippaerts aboard Pitman V/H Lilleveld in 76.66 seconds and a retierment from Edwina Tops-Alexander with Cydello meant Valkenswaard United had to settle for ninth after elimination.

Fortune also turned against Sara Vingralkova and Jur Vrieling in round two. Four faults from Vingralkova aboard Rock'n Roll MXL in 78.69 seconds, followed by a retirement for Jur Vrieling with Cornet Blue PS, dropped Scandinavian Vikings to tenth overall with an elimination from the team.

Those Who Missed the Cut

Among the teams missing the top ten after round one were Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames in 11th on eight faults, Mexico Amigos in 12th, Rome Gladiators powered by Cavalleria Toscana in 13th, Shanghai Swans in 14th, Riyadh Knights in 15th, Monaco Aces in 16th and Madrid In Motion eliminated after a costly opening round.

Championship Momentum Builds

The result marks a major statement from St Tropez Pirates, who capitalised when it mattered most and surged into championship contention with maximum momentum.

As the dust settles at Campo Marte, the 2026 GCL season is already proving impossible to predict. The championship now heads east to Shanghai, where the battle continues.

FULL RESULTS