Scott Brash makes a long-awaited Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix win in Shanghai
Monday 05 May 2025
1weon0iftwu19.jpg "Scott Brash makes a long-awaited Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix win in Shanghai")
In a heart-pounding climax to an unforgettable weekend in Shanghai, Scott Brash and Hello Chadora Lady surged to victory in the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Shanghai 2025, earning the richest reward from the €626,000 prize pot and securing his first LGCT Grand Prix win since 2021.
Returning to winning form on the world stage, Brash and the electric 12-year-old mare delivered two faultless rounds, navigating the buzzing atmosphere at the Shanghai Juss International Equestrian Centre with trademark precision and nerve. The win marks a powerful comeback for the two-time LGCT Champion and adds a new chapter to his storied career.
“They really are incredible facilities at this venue, which always brings out the best in the sport. Today was a very well-built track, it was tough but fair. I walked the course and I wasn't sure how many clears there would be, but that shows the standard of horse and riders that are here in Shanghai,” said Scott, after course-designer Peter Grant (CAN) set a 14-fence, 17-effort 1.60m track for the 40 world-class athletes.
The jump-off featured a high-calibre line-up of sixteen contenders, including all three podium finishers from last year’s LGCT Grand Prix: Gilles Thomas with Luna van het Dennehof, Michael Duffy aboard Claptonn Mouche and Edwina Tops Alexander on Fellow Castlefield. In a reversal of fortunes, it was Scott who stole the spotlight this time, stopping the clock in a lightning-fast round.
Defending Shanghai winner, Belgium’s Gilles Thomas and Luna van het Dennehof, fresh off last year’s win at this very venue, was determined to hold onto his crown. Attacking the track with intent, he and Luna van het Dennehof soared into the lead, laying down a fearless round that turned up the pressure on those still to come. The pressure mounted and fences fell for some big names, including Germany’s Marcus Ehning and Ireland’s Michael Duffy.
That left just one man standing. Scott and Hello Chadora Lady entered the arena last – the only ones who could stop Gilles from going back-to-back in Shanghai. With laser focus and trademark precision, Scott delivered a foot-perfect round, shaving milliseconds off the clock with ice-cold efficiency. As the final fence cleared and the time flashed up, Brash punched the air in celebration – his long-awaited return to the top was complete as he secured a 0.17 second victory.
With this win, Scott secures a coveted Golden Ticket to the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix at the GC Playoffs in Prague this November, joining an elite line-up of riders preparing for the sport’s most prestigious showdown. Fiercely contested by the best in the world, the ticket is a prized entry to the season’s ultimate test.
A visibly relieved Scott reflected on the journey ahead, saying: “It’s incredible to be part of it again.”
In the updated 2025 LGCT Championship standings, it’s Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander who now leads the way with 75 points. Shanghai runner-up Gilles Thomas climbs to second on 67 points, while Scott’s victory propels him into third overall, reigniting his championship campaign.
In a spectacular display of team jumping, the Shanghai Swans clinched victory under the floodlights of the Shanghai Juss International Equestrian Centre for the second year running at the third stage of the 2025 Global Champions League season. With the enthusiastic crowd on their feet, it was a flawless performance that secured the top of the podium for the Shanghai Swans with Ben Maher and Max Kühner delivering when it mattered most.
Ben Maher shared the strategy of time versus faults all came into play heading into round two: “There were a lot of teams on four faults and you never quite know what is going to happen with the teams on zero, but I said to Max before I went in, start with a positive attitude and keep it a little bit quick. My round all went to plan, and I think it also set Max off in a good stead, and he emulated my round - a little bit quicker on me, putting enough pressure on the teams ahead.”
Swans teammate Max added, “Being here in Shanghai and taking the lead of the Championship is something special. This incredible venue that has been built for horse sport in China, it is an outstanding place and is really a special honour.”
For the second year at the state-of-the-art venue in the heart of the EXPO Cultural Park, Shanghai once again delivered a world-class sporting spectacle. The home crowd roared as the teams battled for every second and rail, with the leaderboard changing right until the final ride, creating a great atmosphere.
The competition was electric from start to finish, and it was all down to time today with the top six teams finishing on four faults. Shanghai Swans not only secured back-to-back wins in Shanghai, but put their name in the Championship race, collecting their second win of the 2025 season.
The reigning Shanghai winners rose to the occasion once again. Ben on Dallas Vegas Batilly and Max Kühner with EIC Up Too Jacco Blue took bold risks at a blistering pace, and it paid off for the home team. Despite one rail down in the first round from Ben, the Swans soared to the top of the leaderboard as the fastest team on four faults, although they faced an agonising wait to see if it was enough.
Valkenswaard United soared up the rankings with a gritty and composed performance from Marcus Ehning and Gilles Thomas who held their nerve to claim the runner-up position on four faults but six seconds slower. But a brand-new rider line-up featuring Under 25 Robert Murphy joining long-standing member Scott Brash, the New York Empire powered by Lugano finished third on the podium.
Speaking on behalf of third placed team, New York Empire, on how important the horse power around the team is, Scott said: “It really is so important to us for the team, with Denis [Lynch] going clear in round one, we knew we had a good choice between the three of us going into round one, and it is great to know we have some strong horses around us for the season ahead.”
Making his debut for the team, rising talent Robert delivered a composed clear round, setting the tone for New York Empire on Kannem J.A. Z. With Scott adding pace to the mix in round two riding Hello Chadora Lady - despite a single rail from the first round - they held strong in the standings and signalled real intent for the rest of the season. And the speedy round also handed Scott second place in the individual 1.60m speed competition, 0.85 seconds behind the winner, France’s Julian Anquetin on Blood Diamond Du Pont.
As the team's gear up for a pivotal summer season in Europe, the championship standings have seen another major shakeup. Shanghai Swans now take a narrow lead on 71 points, with last year’s champions Cannes Stars, powered by Iron Dames, slipping to second on 68 points and Valkenswaard United stand with 53 points.
Guy Williams and Olli Fletcher are in the money in France
Guy Williams bagged a podium place in the first of the world ranking classes in Nancy, France, with BH Gringos Legacy, taking second spot.
A big entry of 76 came forward in this 2* 1.45m speed class with Guy and the Tullibards Bennys Legacy 10-year-old flying into the runner-up position 1.37 seconds behind the winner, France’s Alexa Ferra on Vitalhorse Fleur D’Oz.
Olli Fletcher shared the honours in the 1* Six-Bar riding the Wandor Van De Mispelaere eight-year-old Rocky Star VD Bokke. Six started in this power test and three were left as they went into round four, but all came home on four faults apiece to finish equal first.
Olli also picked up second in the 63-strong Range Rover 2* 1.40m speed, the 10-year-old Krach Blue C finishing 2.16 seconds behind the pace.
Image: LGCT Shanghai
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