Ben Maher & Emily Moffitt Defeat Empire in Olympic Stadium Showdown
Saturday 15 June 2019
The London Knights duo of U25 Emily Moffitt and Ben Maher defeated pole sitters New York Empire in a dramatic gladiatorial battle at the inaugural GCL Stockholm.
In a sell-out Saturday, spectators were packed to the rafters of Sweden’s historic Olympic Stadium creating an electric atmosphere as today’s drama unfolded.
Heartbreakingly for the New York Empire team, Daniel Bluman and Scott Brash couldn’t keep hold of their lead in today’s Swedish showdown, dropping off the podium as another shock result played out under enormous pressure.
The Knights put in a flawless performance, taking their second win of the season as they start their charge on the overall rankings. But second today went to Berlin Eagles dynamic duo of Malin Baryard-Johnsson and Ludger Beerbaum, with Mark McAuley and Eduardo Alvarez Aznar taking the third spot on the podium for Madrid in Motion.
A delighted Emily said: “It’s my first team on Winny [Winning Good] so I’m very excited about it. [After the time fault yesterday] I just put it out of my mind, and rode like it didn’t happen and it paid off."
Ben agreed, saying: “Concona has been with us for a few years, and it’s the first few shows at this level. There was a bit of pressure on her today, but I’m very happy with her and there’s a lot of potential for the future. Emily did an excellent job today - she certainly made my life easier, and we put pressure on the New York Empire team."
After their single time fault from the first round, Ben spoke of the importance of having a clear plan for the weekend: “The first day is very important, and I knew the time fault could determine our fate. But after seeing the course I thought a double clear [today] could keep us in the running. It’s a difficult ring to ride in, and a new venue but it’s now definitely one of my favourites so far."
Emily spoke of the incredible atmosphere in the arena: “I was saying before I got on my horse just how amazing the crowd is - it makes it more fun when you go clear!”
In the overall GCL rankings, the Knights have now jumped up to fourth overall, level with the St Tropez Pirates on 142 points. The Shanghai Swans have extended their overall lead, now 12 points ahead of Miami Celtics who sit on 148 points overall. Madrid in Motion now sit in third, just three points behind with 145 in their tally.
Spectators were packed into the stadium, and the arena echoed with rapturous applause and cheers with a knowledgable and appreciative crowd. As the sun started it’s slow descent across the arena, the atmosphere could be cut with a knife as the world’s best horses and riders fought with every ounce of their being for their teams.
Uliano Vezzani’s course featured 13 obstacles, with 16 jumping efforts and a time allowed of 83 seconds. Today’s challenge included a curving Volkswagen oxer, a delicate GC liverpool, a Longines double set on the sphered edge of the arena, and some tricky combinations which came up thick and fast. Vezzani also gave riders the options of inside or outside turns, knowing that the combined time could play a huge part in the results of the close-knit field today.
For further information and full results visit www.globalchampionstour.com
1svujitxhxur8.jpg "Great Britain command victory in the Pony Nations Cup of Compiegne")
.jpg "Thrilling Weekend Kickstarts the STX-UK Pony British Novice Championship Second Round")
