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Sports / Horse Racing

Doha Falcons secure thrilling GCL victory

Published: 23 Jun 2024 - 10:32 am | Last Updated: 23 Jun 2024 - 10:34 am
Doha Falcons led from start to finish to claim victory.

Doha Falcons led from start to finish to claim victory.

The Peninsula

Doha, Qatar: Converting their pole position to a win Doha Falcons of Julien Anquetin, Jerome Guery and Michael Pender stormed to victory in the Global Champions League (GCL).

The Paris leg of the GCL saw fierce competition and spellbinding performances, but it  was Doha Falcons that led from start to finish with Jerome’s horses Careca LS Elite and Great Britain V , Julien onboard Z Ice Cube Z and big gun Pender’s HHS Calais being pulled in for round two.

Championship leaders Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses duo of Nicola and Olivier took home second place on board Katanga v/h Dingeshof and H&M Legend of Love in round 2. But hot on their heels Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames once again stood on the podium in third with Sophie Hinners on Special Life and Katrin Eckermann delivering a double clear with Cala Mandia NRW.

In the team’s first win since GCL Samorin in 2021, the Doha Falcons took their well earned spot at the top of the podium. Speaking with GCTV, Pender said, “There really are amazing crowds here in Paris, it was brilliant."

"The team has been a bit unlucky all year, but we have a good team and have been going well in general… just knocking on the door. We have a brilliant team bond, all the shows we have such brilliant riders, and I think that helps a lot - hopefully we can keep it going,” he added.