Shanghai, China – 26/04/2016 – The top three riders in the world will head to Shanghai, China, for the fourth leg of the 2016 Longines Global Champions Tour season. Truly global in every sense of the word, the world’s premier show jumping series will host what promises to be another spectacular event in Asia, bringing the top athletes in the sport to another unique city centre destination.
Following his silver medal success in Antwerp last weekend, World Number 1 Simon Delestre (FRA) will be in action with his fantastic chestnut gelding Chesall, and looking to capitalize on his run of form for the prestigious Grand Prix on Saturday. LGCT Ranking leader and World Number 2 Christian Ahlmann (GER) currently sits on 97 points, and with top horses Colorit and Taloubet Z shows strong intentions to further extend his Championship lead. Round four of the impressive season will see World Number 3 Scott Brash (GBR) bring in Hello Annie for the first time on the Tour, and with high action, drama and nail-biting jump-offs from just the first three legs of the series, LGCT Shanghai looks to be no exception with the promise of incredible sport all weekend.
World Number 6 Kent Farrington (USA), World Number 7 Gregory Wathelet (BEL) and World Number 9 Kevin Staut (FRA) will also be at the Asian leg of the Tour, battling it out at the unique and accessible destination. Last year saw Kent win a magnificent three CSI5* events at the Chinese leg of the Tour, showcasing class, talent and adaptability over the weekend feast of show jumping. Both Marco Kutscher (GER) and Pius Schwizer (SUI) will also be back, and looking to repeat their CSI5* class wins. China will field Kenneth Cheng (HKG) and Raena Leung (HKG) to compete against the international field, with home fans already supporting their top riders.
Legend of the sport Ludger Beerbaum (GER) will head to Shanghai with his phenomenal stallion Chaman, and with other notable names such as Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS), Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA), Michael Whitaker (GBR), Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA), Gerco Schroder (NED), Maikel van der Vleuten (NED), Sheikh Ali Bin Khalid Al Thani (QAT), Henrik von Eckermann (SWE), Jessica Springsteen (USA) – who will bring back Vindicate W – and Bassem Hassan Mohammed (QAT) all on form, it’s set to be another spectacular weekend of world class sporting entertainment.
Photo Courtesy LGCT
Synonymous with glamour and new beginnings, Shanghai is renowned for its record-breaking skyscrapers which have sprung up where just twenty years ago there was only farmland. The show is held at the China Art Palace and has fast become one of the most prestigious events on the national equestrian calendar. Last year, passionate fans lined up to watch the stars of the show jumping showcase top sport in the heart of the city, and were rewarded with exceptional action and the chance to watch the very best in the world up close and personal throughout the weekend.
For a full rider list, please click here. For all the latest news, information and show schedule for the LGCT Shanghai, please click here.