Attention turns to GCL in Madrid

Nations cups dominated last week’s show jumping headlines, but the international limelight over the next few days switches to the relatively new, mixed-nationality format that is the Global Champions League (GCL), writes Mike Dunne.

Now in its second year, the GCL is part of the longer-standing Global Champions Tour circuit, and Madrid is the venue for what is the fourth round this season.

Five Irish riders are involved with GCL teams this term, whereas last year only Bertram Allen participated, to great effect as it turned out, with his team Valkenswaard United being crowned inaugural champions after the final round in Doha, Qatar, last November. Allen competes again with Valkenswaard in the current campaign, while Darragh Kenny (Paris Panthers), Michael Kearins (Moscow Bears), and Cian O’Connor (Miami Glory) joined in for the new season, with Denis Lynch being a late addition to the Miami squad. Lynch makes his GCL debut for Miami in tomorrow’s opening round, alongside Britain’s Scott Brash, while squad member O’Connor remains sidelined due to injury.