The Prague Lions Team formed by Niels Bruynseels riding 12-year-old mare Gancia de Muze and by Ales Opatrny with 13-year-old gelding VDL Fakir entered the second round of the Global Champions League on Saturday, June 9th from a leading position as they had no penalty points. The Miami Celtics had a same result, but after Jessica Springsteen´s and her 12-year-old mare RMF Swinny du Parc had two knock-downs, they finally placed second behind Valkenswaard United with the same number of 8 penalty points but better time combined.
Therefore, Prague Lions knew that they can have up to two knock-downs if their time combined together is not going to exceed 157,2 seconds. Ales Opatrny and VDL Fakir were first to go, but they had a knock-down on very first obstacle. They unfortunately added one more so Niels Bruynseels knew that he and his mare Gancia de Muze could not afford any knock-downs. In addition, he had to hurry. The knock-down eventually came and although the time 150,46 seconds would be enough for the victory, the total of 12 penalty points has moved Prague Lions to fifth place. London Knights placed fourths with 12 penalty points as well, but with better time of 148,73 seconds. Nine penalty points was enough for the imaginary bronze medal for the team Cascais Charms.
Valkenswaard United having gained 30 points for victory have almost caught up with leading London Knigths and are now only 5 points behind their 148 points. Miami Celtics are currently placed fourth with 109 points behind Shanghai Swans. Shanghai Swans did not do really well in Cannes. Prague Lions have moved up one place and they are seventh after seven rounds with 96 points. St. Tropez Pirates with 101 points and Berlin Eagles with 102 points are ahead of them.
Saturday program ended with show-jumping Grand Prix with the obstacles up to the height of 160 centimeters. After successful performances, Anna Kellnerova with Silverstone G and Niels Bruynseels with Gancia de Muze have both qualified for the Grand Prix. Neither of them managed to qualify for the jump-off.
Photo David Horváth / CET