Horsepower Arrives in Shanghai: The Stage is Set for an Unmissable LGCT Week

The stars have landed! Yesterday, the world’s top show jumping horses touched down in Shanghai, settling into their temporary home ahead of the highly anticipated Longines Global Champions Tour leg kicking off this week. Excitement is building as a stellar lineup prepares to take to the arena, with a blend of seasoned champions, new faces, and familiar partnerships ready to battle it out for glory.

Among the headline acts is Gilles Thomas and Luna van het Dennehof, fresh off their 2024 Shanghai LGCT Grand Prix win, returning with unfinished business: to defend their crown. Edwina Tops-Alexander and her trusted partner Fellow Castlefield, who finished second last year, are also back - no strangers to Shanghai success, Edwina’s long-standing LGCT pedigree makes her a serious contender. Rounding out the trio is Michael Duffy with Claptonn Mouche, who secured third place in 2024 and is hungry to climb even higher.

The competition is fierce with horsepower at its finest. Henrik von Eckermann brings the legendary King Edward, whose resume includes multiple LGCT Super Grand Prix titles and unforgettable victories from Stockholm to Prague. Daniel Deusser, a consistent powerhouse with wins stretching from New York to Doha, is another big name to watch. Meanwhile, Ben Maher, three-time LGCT Champion, lines up with ultra-consistent Dallas Vegas Batilly, currently on flying form in 2025.

Young talent is making waves too. Thibeau Spits and Impress-K Van 'T Kattenheye Z, fresh from their Riesenbeck LGCT Grand Prix win in 2024, join the Shanghai showdown, while Nadja Peter Steiner partners the brilliant Mila, a mare with a winning legacy that has transitioned seamlessly into new hands.

Fans should also keep an eye on exciting combinations like:

• Andreas Schou and Darc De Lux, making a triumphant return to the tour.
• Julien Anquetin and the rapid Blood Diamond du Pont, specialists against the clock.
• Philipp Weishaupt with Coby 8, a duo known for multiple podium finishes and serious firepower.
• Denis Lynch on Brooklyn Heights, adding depth to his campaign as the current 2025 Championship leader.
• Carlos Hank Guerreiro and H5 Porthos Maestro WH Z, always ready to shake up the leaderboard.

In short: this week in Shanghai promises to deliver drama, world-class sport, and unforgettable moments as the best of the best go head-to-head.

Don’t miss a moment - tune in to GCTV for full coverage, including exclusive behind-the-scenes access, interviews, and insights all week long - the best seat in show jumping!