The fifth edition of the GCL Season Awards took centre stage this evening, celebrating the standout achievements of the 2024 GCL season. The glittering ceremony, held in the heart of Riyadh, set the tone for an exhilarating weekend as the city prepares to host the much-anticipated inaugural GC Riyadh Playoffs.
The event brought together an illustrious audience, including international dignitaries, GCL team owners, breeders, and the world’s top riders, in a celebration of excellence, teamwork, and innovation in show jumping. As anticipation builds for the Playoffs, the awards ceremony shone a spotlight on the dedication and talent that defined this season’s success stories.
The 2024 GCL Championship emphasised the importance of strategic planning and the role of elite horsepower in shaping team triumphs. It was a season that underscored the critical balance between talent, precision, and strategic vision—qualities that propelled both riders and team managers to extraordinary heights.
The evening culminated in the presentation of meticulously crafted trophies by Jan Tops, president and founder of GCL along with His Highness Prince Abdullah Bin Fahad Bin Abdullah Al Saud, Chairman of Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation and President of Host Organizing Committee to this year’s award winners, who have set new benchmarks for excellence in the sport.
Category: GCL U25 Rider of The Year
Thibeau Spits from Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team
In just his second year riding for the Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team, Thibeau Spits has proven himself an indispensable force behind the team’s success, earning the coveted title of 2024 U25 Rider of the Season.
At just 23 years old, Spits showcased remarkable composure and skill throughout the season, delivering five clear rounds that helped propel the Lions to two podium finishes. His standout moment came in Mexico City, where his exceptional performance contributed to the team’s commanding victory.
A beaming Thibeau Spits smiled: “This year on the GCL has completely changed my life. It has given me so many opportunities and really changed a lot for me. From where I started the opportunities I got from being on a team – for my career it is amazing. Especially for the U25 riders to get on the team to get to go to different shows, to get to know the other riders better is brilliant.”
Category: GCL Rider of the Year
Sophie Hinners from the Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames
In a season filled with intense competition and outstanding performances, young gun Sophie Hinners from the Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames emerged as a standout among an elite field of riders. Throughout the 2024 season, Hinners consistently demonstrated her talent and skill, quickly cementing her status as one to watch in her debut season.
Awarded the Rider of the Year title for the first time in her debut season in the GCL, Hinners’ achievements speak volumes. With a remarkable 56% clear rate, she played a pivotal role in securing 6 podium finishes and 3 wins for the Cannes Stars this season. Her outstanding performances not only highlight her individual brilliance but also underscore her significant contributions to her team’s dominance in the league.
On collecting her award Sophie spoke on the debut season she has had: “It was an incredible season for me and the first year riding at this level. I cannot thank everyone for their support this year and most of all to Deborah Mayer without you I would not be stood here. We should be so proud of our team. If someone has asked me last year what I expected form this season I would not have imagined I would have done this.”
Category: GCL Horse Of The Year
Equine America Unick du Francport ridden by John Whitaker from Valkenswaard United
Breeder: Laurent Baillet
Owner: Clare and John Whitaker
This year, Equine America Unick du Francport, ridden by the legendary John Whitaker, has risen above the competition to claim the title of 2024 Horse of the Season. Bred by Laurent Baillet and owned by Clare and John Whitaker, the 16-year-old gelding has delivered an exceptional performance throughout the season, becoming a standout star in the sport.
With a remarkable 50% clear rate, Equine America Unick du Francport has been a cornerstone of Valkenswaard United’s success in 2024. His consistent excellence has earned the horse 54.3 points for the league this season, the highest of any horse, solidifying his place as the standout performer of the year.
As John wasn’t present in Riaydh he asked teammate Marcus Ehning to collect the award for him: “I spoke to John when he asked me to collect this award on his behalf and asked him what to say. But I think everyone here knows John is a man of few words so it is not a speech but we all know John is a legend in the sport and it is incredible what he does – we are very proud to have him part of Valkenswaard United. He is the anchor of the team and to ride with him together you cannot describe it is a special feeling and he is always a fun person to have around!”
The GCL extends its heartfelt congratulations to Sophie Hinners, Thibeau Spits, and the team behind Equine America Unick du Francport for their extraordinary achievements throughout the 2024 season. These prestigious awards celebrate not only individual excellence but also the collective spirit of teamwork, dedication, and passion that define the GCL and the sport of show jumping.
As the excitement continues, the GCL Super Cup Quarter Final will kick off today at 20:10 GMT+3, with 12 teams vying for supremacy. Don’t miss a moment of the action—sign up for GCTV for just €4.99 a month and experience all the thrilling competition from Riyadh.
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