Rome Has a New Empire: New York Empire Storm to Global Champions League Victory
Rome, Italy - October 10, 2026 - The New York Empire Came, Saw and Conquered Rome. The Eternal City delivered a spectacular championship showdown as New York Empire, powered by Lugano stormed to victory at the Global Champions League (GCL) of Rome, while Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym took a giant leap towards the 2026 Global Champions League Championship title with a crucial second-place finish.
In a competition bursting with drama, pressure and championship-defining performances, Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team completed the podium in third, keeping themselves in the title fight as the season hurtles towards its grand finale. But while New York Empire stole the show with a flawless performance, the biggest championship storyline was unfolding just behind them.
Riesenbeck International now hold a commanding 45-point advantage at the top of the standings and could be crowned 2026 GCL Champions at the very next stage in Cairo. With just two stages remaining, the stakes could hardly be higher.
New York Empire are closing in on Istanbul Warriors for second place, Riesenbeck have one hand on the championship trophy, and the battle for every remaining point is reaching fever pitch. Bertram Allen(IRL) &Denis Lynch(IRL) A foot perfect performance for New York Empire at a crucial stage of the Championship race, Denis Lynch (IRL) reflected on the top four standings, he said,"As a team we agreed that it was our goal for the season, and we are absolutely delighted that we are heading along the right path.
I must say thanks to my teammates, all our horses and staff, and of course and a big thanks again to our team owner,Georgina Bloomberg, for her continued trust in the team." Bertramsmiled: "What a great day for New York Empire. Winning in Rome is always special, but to do it with four clear rounds makes it even better.
The whole team has done an incredible job, and Denis and Michael really set us up perfectly in the first round, so I knew I just had to go in and finish the job. Pacino Amiro jumped brilliantly, and it's a fantastic feeling to get this result for Georgina and everyone involved.
With just two stages left, these points are really valuable. Hopefully we can carry this momentum into Cairo and finish the season on a high." Marco Kutscher(GER) &Pikeur Lemar NRW Podium veteran Marco Kutscher (GER) spoke of the Championship leading team's focus on the season-long Championship at hand, he said,"We talk about it, and we talk about it a lot.
It is a big focus of our whole team." Philipp Weishaupt(GER) &Callao L Teammate Philipp Weishaupt (GER) added,"We're really happy with second place today."