Denis Lynch and RMF Echo clinched victory for Miami Glory when last to go in this afternoon’s concluding round of the latest Global Champions League leg in Hamburg.

The Irish rider took full advantage after Chantilly Pegasus rider Lauren Hough on Ohlala had the last fence down, leaving Miami as the only team with a chance of a zero-total finish.

“I’m delighted with Echo,” said Lynch. “He really pulled his weight again, like last week. I was the last rider in, and it couldn’t get any more exciting for me.”

The pairing, whose GCL debut came last week in Madrid, have now jumped four rounds in the competition without giving away a single fault. Miami squad member Scott Brash was Lynch’s team mate in Hamburg and the British rider partnered Hello Forever in Thursday’s first round and Ursula in today’s for his two clears.

The result moves Miami from 11th up to 6th in the league standings which are now headed by Hamburg Diamonds. Long-time leaders and reigning champions Valkenswaard United drop to second following their 17th-place finish today – their worst result to date.

Third place today went to Doha Fursan Qatar, who are now 9th overall.

Apart from Hamburg Diamonds, whose 5th place today was enough for them to take over as leaders, this GCL leg went against previous form, with most of the league front-runners finishing well down the field, allowing teams that were in danger of losing touch to come back into the reckoning.

Mike Dunne

Global Champions League standings after round 5 Hamburg
(Irish squad members in brackets)
1. Hamburg Diamonds 98
2. Valkenswaard United 93 (Bertram Allen)
3. St. Tropez Pirates 86
4. London Knights 85
5. Cannes Stars 83
6. Miami Glory 78.5 (Cian O’Connor/Denis Lynch)
7. Chantilly Pegasus  78
8. Rome Gladiators 73
9. Doha Fursan Qatar 71
10. Mexico Amigos 67
11. Paris Panthers 63 (Darragh Kenny)
12. Cascais Charms 60
13. Shanghai Swans 56
14. Madrid In Motion 55
15. Vienna Eagles 53
16. Monaco Aces 51
17. Berlin Lions 37
18. Moscow Bears 22.50 (Michael Kearins)