Scott Brash made a sensational return to top form in Shanghai, capturing the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix title in thrilling fashion. Riding the spirited Hello Chadora Lady, Brash delivered two impeccable rounds to claim his first LGCT Grand Prix win in six years and the top share of a €626,000 prize. His performance marked not just a personal victory but a clear statement that he remains a force to be reckoned with at the highest level of the sport.
The competition unfolded at the iconic Shanghai Juss International Equestrian Centre, where a vibrant crowd and a world-class setting created the perfect stage for elite show jumping. Brash’s cool-headed ride stood out in a jump-off packed with some of the most talented names in the sport. Among the sixteen contenders were returning podium finishers from the previous year, but none could match Brash’s clinical round, which he completed in a blazing 43.94 seconds.
Hot on his heels was Belgium’s Gilles Thomas, whose partnership with Luna van het Dennehof nearly yielded a repeat victory. Clocking in just 0.17 seconds behind Brash, Thomas showcased the consistency and precision that have made him a rising star on the circuit. His second-place finish also propelled him to second in the overall championship standings, signaling a strong start to his 2025 campaign.
Spain’s Eduardo Alvarez Aznar joined them on the podium, piloting Legend to a double clear that earned him third place. The result was a testament to his preparation and belief in his horse, as he navigated a fiercely competitive jump-off where less than a second separated several top finishers. With Madrid up next, Aznar will be looking to maintain momentum as the Tour continues in his home country.
The Shanghai leg of the Tour proved to be one of the most tightly contested yet. Just over a second separated the third and sixth-placed riders, emphasizing the razor-thin margins that defined the jump-off. Among those who took bold chances were Andreas Schou, who set the standard early with a strong opening clear, and several others whose aggressive strategies backfired under the intense pressure.
Riders like Lara Tryba, Zoe Conter, and Philipp Weishaupt took ambitious lines but paid the price with dropped rails. Meanwhile, hopes were dashed for Lorenzo de Luca and Robert Murphy, both of whom suffered refusals that ended their challenge prematurely. Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann, too, saw a potential podium finish disappear with one unfortunate clip of the penultimate fence.
Edwina Tops-Alexander delivered another masterclass aboard Fellow Castlefield, securing valuable points to take the lead in the overall LGCT standings with 75 points. The Australian rider continues to demonstrate remarkable consistency and now heads the championship table as the Tour progresses into its middle stages.
The Shanghai crowd was treated to a gripping evening of sport under the lights, with fans turning out in droves and dressed to impress, adding to the glamour of the occasion. The event not only highlighted the competitiveness of the 2025 season but also cemented Shanghai’s place as a premier stop on the international show jumping calendar. With its dynamic city skyline and purpose-built venue, it has become a landmark destination for the sport in Asia.
Scott Brash’s triumph also secures him a coveted place in the LGCT Super Grand Prix at the Prague Playoffs later this year. It’s a prize reserved for only the best of the best, and Brash was visibly moved to be back among them. His journey back to the top has been long and hard-fought, and this victory serves as a defining moment in his storied career.
As the Tour moves on to Madrid, the championship race is heating up, with every stage now carrying increasing weight. The drama, precision, and brilliance on display in Shanghai have set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable season ahead.
