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.

The night wasn’t without heartbreak, as Paris Panthers and Stockholm Hearts, powered by H&M We Love Horses, saw their hopes dashed following elimination in the first round, collecting 0 championship points. Three teams finished round one on a clean sheet from Madrid In Motion, Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team and Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames. Then with nine teams only one fence behind on 4 faults it was all still to play for in the 1.60m second round with no drop score.
 
Making his debut for the team, rising talent Robert Murphy delivered a composed, clear round, setting the tone for New York Empire powered by Lugano on Kannem J.A. Z. With Scott Brash 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 signaled real intent for the rest of the season.

 
Flawless from start to finish in the second round, Valkenswaard United’s Marcus Ehning and Gilles Thomas showed masterclass consistency onboard Priam du Roset and Luna van het Dennehof. With two textbook clears, they edged ahead of the early leaders on time, momentarily claiming the top spot as the pressure built with the heavy-hitters still to come.

 
The reigning Shanghai winners rose to the occasion once again. Ben Maher on Dallas Vegas Batilly and Max Kühner riding EIC Up Too Jacco Blue took bold risks with blistering pace, and it paid off for the home team Shanghai Swans. Despite one rail down in the first round from Maher, the Swans soared to the top of the leaderboard as the fastest team on four faults. With an agonising wait to see if it was enough…

 
It was a tough break for Cannes Stars as Natalie Dean and Acota M knocked the last two fences, ending their streak of clears. Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann on Messi van 't Ruytershof followed up with a tidy clear, but the damage was done, and the team had to settle further down the order with 8 faults.

 
Things unravelled for the Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team in round two as Niels Brynseels and Thibeau Spits were unable to keep the rails up with Origi vd Vosberg and Impress-K van't Kattenheye Z. A promising position slipped away, leaving the team to regroup and reset ahead of the next stage.
 
Last to go and the win within reach, Madrid in Motion took a cautious approach. Manuel Fernández Saro aimed for a steady clear on Dreamland but clipped a fence, and the slow time pushed them down to fifth place even after a soil clear from Eduardo Álvarez Aznar riding Legend just behind Rome Gladiators powered by Cavalleria Toscana.
 
With the GCL of Shanghai once again delivering high-octane drama and electrifying sport, fans around the world were treated to a world-class experience. The pressure now shifts to the next stage of the championship as the Tour heads to Madrid, Spain from 16–18 May, where the stakes will be higher than ever.