Marcus Ehning Masterclass Wins Grand Prix as Laura is Back on Top

Marcus Ehning and Pot Blue (Photo: Stefano Grasso/Longines Global Champions Tour)

Marcus Ehning delivered a 5* masterclass on the French Riviera winning the €285,000 Grand Prix in style on his 16-year-old stallion Plot Blue. 

The German rider’s victory triggered a ranking shake-up with Laura Kraut back at No1 on 132 points - 8 points ahead of Christian Ahlmann in the intensifying championship race as the series heads for Monaco starting on June 27.

Competition in the Longines Global Champions Tour series went up a gear at the 5th leg in Cannes with the world’s best riders ramping up their determination to get into the top 10 in the series. 

Tonight’s floodlit Grand Prix presented one of the most difficult first round courses seen for years on the Tour with some of the best riders clocking up faults on the big, tricky course. Luciana Diniz went into the Grand Prix as ranking leader but did not make it into the second round leaving the way open for Laura to take over.

Course designer Uliano Vezzani ensured only the strongest survived on the night and after 17 combinations in the 1st round only one, British rider William Funnell, went clear. In the 2nd round five riders jumped double clear setting up a dramatic jump off.

Marcus Ehning, whose motto is ‘never give up’ had the crowd gasping as he sliced off the corner to the Longines vertical and raced to the finish in 36.22. British rider William Funnell on his home bred stallion Billy Congo continued his impressive run in the series finishing 2nd in 37.33 with Maikel van der Vleuten third on VDL Groep Verdi in 37.47.

It was a night of glamour in Cannes with packed VIP lodges flanking the arena and spectators crowding the grandstands to enjoy the world's premier riders in action. And once again the sport had the crowds on the edge of their seats.

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