As said best by Gary Lineker, “In the end, it's always Germany who wins!” The statement rings true this weekend, as the incredible German won both Grand Prix in Paris. Today, it was with a mare, Ailina, who also belongs to the Zangersheide stud-farm.

Saturday is a big day at the Longines Global Champions Tour with both the second and final round of the team event for the Global Champions League, and the individual LGCT Grand Prix. The hero of the day in the individual LGCT Grand Prix was a German who is a regular on the podium himself, but whose horse had yet to jump a 5* Grand Prix prior to today. For 10-year-old stallion Take A Chance On Me Z and Christian Ahlmann it was the best possible result!

It was a magnificent first day at the Longines Paris Eiffel Jumping: a glowing sun, a shopping village teeming with people who congregated around the stands and warm up arena. The horses were unbothered by the heat, barely breaking a sweat. After all, these equine are top athletes who have been physically prepared with the unmatched expertise of their globally renowned riders. Together they offer a magnificent show of sport.

The six-bar event is without a doubt one of the most impressive in any jumping competition. Technique, power, control, precision... it takes everything, and just as much for the rider as the horse!