THE first round of the 2021 Global Champions Tour (GCT) took place in Doha, Qatar, last weekend and victory in the 1.60m Grand Prix went to Belgium’s Niels Bruynseels.

Competing against a top field of 34 starters, Bruynseels was one of four double clears in the seven-way jump-off. Riding Delux van T & L, he clocked the winning time of 39.93 seconds. The victory secured the Belgian rider the first coveted spot in the LGCT Super Grand Prix at the GC Prague Playoffs.

Speaking after the win, he said: “I am so so happy that I won today, this championship has the best riders and horses in the world, I can only thank my amazing horse who always gives everything for me.”

Italy’s Lorenzo De Luca took second spot, when clear in 40.20, while Canadian star Eric Lamaze took third place, when he answered all the questions in a time of 40.35. First to go against the clock, Bart Bles and Kriskras DV set the target of clear in 42.16, which would eventually see him slot into fourth place.

Christian Kukuk and the nine-year-old grey stallion Mumbai’s tight line to the GC fence cost him dearly as it fell to the floor but their time of 40.64 ensured them fifth place.

Winners of the 1.55m class the evening before, Scott Brash and Hello Vincent were in top form, but things didn’t go according to plan as they finished on a total of eight faults in 37.63 for sixth place.

Valkenswaard United seized the GCL ranking lead in spectacular style in Doha with unbeatable performances by the team’s top guns in the opener of the 2021 championship race.

Heavyweights Peder Fredricson (Sweden) and Marcus Ehning (Germany) took full advantage of the extraordinary horsepower of Hansson WL and Stargold with flawless rounds to seal the coveted first win of the season. Ireland’s Bertram Allen is also part of the six-man team.

A delighted Marcus Ehning said: “It’s always great to be here in Doha. I think I can talk for everyone to say it is a very special event. Peder made my life easier he jumped a fantastic clear round, I know my horse is fast but you also need some luck. I am really lucky to be in a strong team like this. We have six very strong riders and I am very lucky to ride with them.”

The Shanghai Swans team of Christian Ahlmann and Max Kuhner finished second, ahead of the Berlin Eagles (Christian Kukuk and Philip Weishaupt) in third.