THE Longines Global Champions Tour returned to the Longines Tops International Arena at Valkenswaard in the Netherlands over the weekend for three days of world-class show jumping and Louth’s Mark McAuley claimed two podium placings.

McAuley firstly took the runner-up spot from 20 starters in the first Global Champions League individual class on Friday, a 1.60m speed competition, riding the 13-year-old stallion L’Arc En Ciel Z. The pair jumped clear in 70.16 seconds to secure the €16,000 second prize. There was no catching German winner, Philipp Weishaupt on Callao L, who stopped the clock in 67.00. Arne van Heel (NED) placed third with Keaton HV in 70.71.