The Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Miami Beach, held in April, witnessed Eckermann clinch victory for the second consecutive year.
As the sun of April 15, 2023, rose shiny and bright in one of the most striking panoramas in the world, Miami, the anticipations soared as Katrin Eckermann received the loud cheers, which were only to grow louder as she was to carve her name with golden letters down the history book of equestrian sport. The 32-year-old European and her 10-year-old daughter recorded their second consecutive victory at the event.
Katrin Eckermann and Cala Mandia also won tickets to the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix. The duo’s impressive performance, skill, and expertise were displayed as they navigated the challenging course with precision and grace. With her third overall career victory at the LGCT Grand Prix, the former has a 50% win rate at the championship. Speaking of her incredible showcase of equestrian excellence, the teary-eyed Eckermann shared
‘What can I say? I did it again, and I have no words.” Being here on the beach with top horse sports, I am thrilled. After a tricky start [to the week] for all, with the weather, a big thank you to the whole Global Champions team and to Jan Tops, all conditions were really perfect in the end.’
The annual Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix drew record crowds this year, an extraordinary display of skills and entertainment exceeding all expectations; it was a resounding success that left everyone raving about the electric atmosphere and thrilling close competitions. The event opened to a jump competition by 40 riders; Global Champions’ course builder Ulliano Vezzani’s set track produced major upsets, with big names such as Devos, Baryard-Johnsson, Ahlmann, Ward, Von Eckermann, and Farrington all failing to qualify for the jump off.
Among other stars of the day, the debutant Kahled Almoboty, who won in the first round, and Equine America Spacecake, his new riding, had the class’s first clear round as sixth out. Almobty’s trainer, David Will, was third in the quick jump-off. Eduardo Alvarez Aznar followed Madrid In Motion’s GCL win.
The seven-person jump-off included Almoboty, Will, Aznar, Eckermann, Goldstein-Engle, and speedster Maikel van der Vleuten. Abdel Sad and Bonne Amie, Khaled Almobty on Equine America Spacecake, and David Will on My Prins van Dorperheide all suffered single tragic pole falls, removing them. The crowd was sent into a frenzy with the next, which featured Margie Goldstein-Engle; the American was welcomed with a round of applause and cheers from the people despite her low points and not career-best performance. Maikel van der Vleuten and Beauville Z N.O.P. took the sand last. The Paid finished third but led the championship with 63 points. Malin Bayard-Johnsson trails Hans Dieter Dreher by one point coming into Mexico.
Despite the adverse weather conditions and a less than ideal start to the week, the Longines Global Champions Tour of Miami Beach concluded with unprecedented success. Courtesy fans, riders, and sponsors who played a pivotal role in delivering a compelling message of how sports bring people from all across the globe together, promoting peace and harmony. The team for the sixth Longines Global Champions Tour of Miami Beach is already excited to get back next year.
For more details and information, please visit their website. http://www.gcglobalchampions.com