In a spectacular display of team show 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 GCL season. With the enthusiastic crowd on their feet, it was a flawless performance that secured the top step of the podium for the Shanghai Swans with Ben Maher and Max Kühner delivering when it mattered most.
Ben Maher shared after the class that the strategy of time vs. faults all came into play heading into round 2: “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 Kühner 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.”
Returning for the second year to 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.
It was jubilation for Valkenswaard United, who 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 but six seconds slower. With a brand-new rider lineup featuring U25 Robert Murphy joining long-standing member Scott Brash, New York Empire powered by Lugano rounding off the podium.
In an electric competition from start to finish, it was all down to time today with the top 6 teams finishing on four faults. Shanghai Swans not only secured back-to-back wins in Shanghai, put their name in the Championship race, collecting their second win of the 2025 season.
Speaking to GCTV, Marcus Ehning commented: “All the teams were so close together, the time was very important - it was a shame that I had one down in the first round, but at the end of the day it was important for us to be on the podium looking forward to the rest of the season.”
Speaking on behalf of third place team, New York Empire, on how important the horse power around the team is, Scott Brash said; “It really is so important to us for the team, with Denis going clear in round 1, we knew we had a good choice between the three of us going into round 1, and it is great to know we have some strong horses around us for the season ahead.”
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, slip to second on 68 points and Valkenswaard United are hot on their heels with 53 points.