INTRODUCING THE GCL TEAMS FOR 2022. Starting with MIAMI CELTICS!
Fans around the world will be able to watch all the sporting drama unfold on GCTV which will continue to innovate with new graphics and technology taking fans backstage with the stars at the extraordinary events worldwide including multi-language commentary. With under a month to go until the season kick-off, tension and anticipation is rising among riders, team owners and managers so fasten your seat belts for another turbo-charged GCL season!
The Miami Celtics boast an all-new lineup going into the 2022 season, with experienced riders and strong horsepower coming to the fore in their bid for a strong season. They field Jessica Springsteen (USA) and U25 talent Richard Vogel (DE) alongside Irish stars Michael Duffy (IRE), Antony Condon (IRE), Michael G Duffy (IRE) and Bertram Allen (IRE).
With all of the team members under 30, this young lineup will be looking to make their mark in a competitive starting list for the 2022 season.
Jessica Springsteen: Competing for USA: From New Jersey: Age 30: Started riding when she was 5 years old after her family moved to a horse farm in New Jersey. Jessica initially rode in equitation classes and won the 2007 Christy Conard Perpetual Trophy for Equestrian Excellence, 2008 National Championship and 2009 Excellence in Equitation Championship. Since moving to pure show jumping, Jessica won medals at the 2010 North American Young Rider Championships, has been selected for Senior Nations Cup teams and was reserve rider for the 2012 London Olympics. She rode for Shanghai Swans for two years, before transferring to Miami Celtics for 2018 and 2019 seasons. Jessica returns to Miami Celtics for the 2022 season, alongside a star-studded lineup in a competitive running of the new GCL season.
Michael Duffy: Competing for Ireland: From Ireland: Age 27: In 2012, aged just 17, Michael Duffy became the youngest ever Senior Irish National Champion. Michael moved to England in 2013 to train with Shane Breen in Hickstead. In September of that year he opened his account at that famous showground, with a win in the All England Grand Prix.
After gaining valuable experience producing young horses, Michael decided to set up on his own, based at Inglis Stables in Cuckfield, West Sussex. He initially started the 2014 season with 2 horses, but after winning the Stoner Jewellers Vase at Hickstead and the Talbot Hotels Speed Derby in Dublin, where he was awarded the Paul Darragh memorial trophy, 8 new horses were added to his stables, within just a month.
Since, Michael has risen to the top and now regularly competes at 5* level.
Anthony Condon: Competing for Ireland: From Ireland: Age 35: Irish rider Anthony Condon has cemented his place in international show jumping in recent years and now joins Miami Celtic.
Michael G Duffy: Competing for Ireland: From Ireland: Age 25: Micheal is a familiar face on the GCL circuit, having ridden as an U25 rider for Madrid in Motion. He helped the team with multiple placings over the last few years with some incredible horsepower behind him. His performances have been going from strength to strength in recent years in top level international competitions, and in 2022 joins Miami Celtics for this new exciting season.
Bertram Allen: Competing for Ireland: From Hunxe: Age 26: Bertram was the U25 rider for the Valkenswaard United team for 5 years, and played a key role in the team winning the GCL overall season in 2016, competing in most of the events on the circuit, performing consistently well whenever riding for the team, with notable second-place finishes in four events of the 2019 season.
In 2022 he joins Miami Celtics, alongside a string of experienced riders and brings his own great horses and experience across the globe to this exciting team.
Richard Vogel: Competing for Germany: From Germany: Age 24: U25 rider Richard Vogel joins Miami Celtics for the 2022 season, bringing a wealth of experience to the team that belies his young age. Ranked 5th in the FEI Jumping U25 standings as of January 2022, Richard and his talented horses will be ones to watch in the coming season.
