Shanghai Swans Take Pole Position in GCL R1 on Their Home Turf

The atmosphere in the Shanghai Juss International Equestrian Centre was electric this afternoon as the home crowd in Shanghai saw their local team, the Shanghai Swans, take the lead in Round 1.

 The Swans, represented by Daniel Deusser and Pius Schwizer, put in fast and faultless rounds to finish the fastest team on a clean sheet. Schwizer, aboard his 11 year old Holstein mare Chill Ma, was first to go from the team. The pair put in a quick, clean round. Deusser was next to go, riding his 10 year old bay stallion Otello de Guldenboom. The German rider expertly navigated the course, delivering another spotless round for the team in a turn of events from the start of the season.

 The only other team on a 0 fault score was Valkenswaard United. The team, represented by Edwina Tops-Alexander and Marcus Ehning, was the last to go. Edwina Tops-Alexander put in a beautiful, clear round on her 14 year old bay gelding, Fellow Castlefield. Marcus Ehning went second for the team aboard Priam du Roset. Both riders rode clear over the challenging course but could not quite match the quick pace set by the Shanghai Swans.

It was a shock elimination for championship leaders Prague Lions powered by CET after a fall from Pieter Devos. The Doha Falcons finished Round 1 as the fastest team on 4 faults. Yesterday’s winner Julien Anquetin put in a quick round aboard his Selle Français gelding Blood Diamond du Pont, but an unfortunate rail meant four faults for the French rider. Anquetin was followed by a rapid clear from teammate Jérôme Guery aboard Come Away Flamingo Z. 

In fourth place was the Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem. Angelica Augustsson Zanotelli was first up for the team. She put in a lightning quick round riding Kalinka van de Nachtegaele but acquired four faults on course. Teammate Andreas Schou smoothly navigated the course aboard his mare Lady Corlina and came home clear for the team.

Scandinavian Vikings rounded out the top five, represented by Evelina Tovek and world number one Henrik von Eckermann. Tovek piloted her mount Moeboetoe v/d Roshoeve through the challenging course. The pair were quick but unfortunately acquired eight faults. Von Eckermann, aboard the 13 year old Glamour Girl, came in the quickest of the day delivering a clear, fast round for the Vikings.

With Round 2 this evening, all eyes will be on the home team. Can the Shanghai Swans take the victory on their home turf? How will the Championship standing move around?  Tune in via GCTV to witness all of the thrilling action live from Shanghai.