There was an atmosphere of intense focus in Mexico’s capital city as teams pulled out the big guns with top horsepower on show today in the first round of the Global Champions’ League.  

The win went to Valkenswaard United’s formidable duo of Bertram Allen with Molly Malone V and Alberto Zorzi with Contaga.

Paris Panthers’ pairing of Harrie Smolders and Gregory Wathelet finished just behind the blue and orange team in second, with current GCL ranking leaders the Shanghai Swans’ Peder Fredricson and Shane Sweetnam taking third.

Speaking after his team’s win Bertram Allen said: “We were out to get a good start today. Alberto was clear and Molly was quick so we’re in the lead. But there are a few clears, and quite a few on four faults so Saturday will be very important.

“It’s such a beautiful place and the horses jump fantastic here – that’s why there’s so many clears. It’s a big and tough enough track, but so many horses are really jumping fantastic, it’s good to see.”

-Jack Burns