Release date: 09/08/2019

Cannes Stars rocketed to pole position at GCL Valkenswaard today after Margie Goldstein-Engle and Eric Lamaze shot to the top of the results with a combined time a full six and a half seconds faster than their closest rivals.
 
In a unique pairing, never before seen in competitive show jumping, the two world-class athletes teamed up for the GCL to blow the competition out of the water today at Tops International Arena, delivering a phenomenal performance with their horses Dicas and Firkov Du Rouet.
 
A happy Eric Lamaze spoke after their round: "It’s fantastic! When I knew Margie was riding here I knew I had to be on my game as she’s an incredible rider. My plan was initially different, and to go much slower, but after the first couple of fences I thought ‘no, this is how it’s going to be’."
 
A smiling Margie said: "It’s the first time we’ve ridden on the team together, we’ve only ever raced against each other before and have competed against each other many times on the circuit, so it’s great to be competing together. It’s lovely to be on a team together."
 
When asked about their chances of a win tomorrow, Eric said: “Yes! I’m confident!” while a laughing Margie said: “I hope so. If I can keep up with [Eric] then I’m happy!”
 
Uliano Vezzani put together a fast-paced, daring course - allowing the riders to pick up speed around the galloping expansive sand arena, but requiring absolute control over powerful oxers followed by delicate verticals. The colourful fences lit up the arena, with obstacles including a blue bicycle vertical, a Stal Tops pictured oxer and a colourful horse head oxer. A beautiful wooden windmill gave riders the option of turning outside or inside to take on a formidable painted horse oxer.
 
With the magnificent ‘spider’ tower watching over the arena the threat of rain held off, and fans watching from around the world were treated to a thrilling display of horsemanship from the 16 GCL teams.
 
The second round of GCL Valkenswaard will kick off at 14:45 on Saturday 10th August, with all the action streamed live via GC TV. 

Photo: GCL / Stefano Grasso