The 2025 Global Champions League continued to thrill spectators as the Shanghai Swans once again demonstrated their dominance on home soil. Under the dazzling lights of the Shanghai Juss International Equestrian Centre, the Swans delivered a winning performance that had the crowd erupting with excitement. This marks their second consecutive victory at this prestigious venue, reinforcing their reputation as a formidable force in the league.
Riders Ben Maher and Max Kühner were instrumental in the Swans’ triumph, navigating the pressure with precision and strategy. Maher’s swift and calculated round set the tone, and Kühner followed with equal finesse, their teamwork a clear testament to experience and synchronization. Their performance didn’t just secure the top spot—it also served as a pivotal moment in the overall championship standings.
Kühner reflected on the magnitude of winning in Shanghai, emphasizing the significance of competing at such a magnificent venue. The modern arena, nestled in the cultural heart of the city, provided a spectacular backdrop for a night of elite equestrian sport. The energy in the arena was palpable as teams gave it their all, with results shifting constantly until the final jump was cleared.
Close behind, Valkenswaard United staged an impressive rise up the rankings. Marcus Ehning and Gilles Thomas delivered clear rounds with calm under pressure, ultimately claiming second place. Their slightly slower time was all that separated them from the Swans. Meanwhile, New York Empire, with a revamped lineup including young talent Robert Murphy and the seasoned Scott Brash, secured third after a competitive showing.
Time proved to be the decisive factor throughout the event. The top six teams all finished with identical four-fault scores, making speed the ultimate tie-breaker. Shanghai Swans, with their rapid pace and controlled aggression, edged out the competition and added a second win to their season tally, staking a strong claim in the title race.
Ehning acknowledged the intense competition, expressing satisfaction with the team’s podium finish despite a fault in his first round. Similarly, Brash praised his teammates and their horses, noting how crucial strong horse power is for maintaining consistency across the season.
This leg of the championship brought dramatic shifts in the leaderboard. The Swans now sit at the summit with 71 points, while Cannes Stars drop to second and Valkenswaard United close the gap in third. The standings reflect just how competitive and unpredictable this season is shaping up to be.
Not all teams fared well. Paris Panthers and Stockholm Hearts faced early exits, leaving Shanghai without a single championship point. Others, like Madrid In Motion, Prague Lions, and Cannes Stars, started strong with clear rounds but stumbled in the second, where even the smallest mistake proved costly. With nine teams sitting just one fence behind after round one, the pressure was immense, and there was no room for error.
New York Empire’s newcomer, Robert Murphy, impressed in his debut with a composed clear round, laying a solid foundation. Brash’s efforts in the second round ensured their position in the top three, signaling their intentions for the rest of the tour.
Valkenswaard United’s riders, Ehning and Thomas, delivered textbook performances that briefly placed them in the lead. Their consistent double clears were a masterclass in execution, though ultimately not fast enough to hold off the Swans.
As for the reigning champions of Shanghai, they rose to the occasion when it mattered most. Maher and Kühner rode with determination, their daring approach rewarded with victory. A single rail in the first round could have proved costly, but their blazing speed secured them the win in a nail-biting finish.
Cannes Stars suffered a setback with two costly faults, undoing a strong early effort and knocking them down the order. Similarly, the Prague Lions saw their early promise fade as mistakes in the second round dashed their podium hopes.
Madrid in Motion had a chance to steal the show but opted for a cautious strategy. A clipped rail and slower pace meant they fell just short, ending the evening in fifth place despite a final clear from Álvarez Aznar.
As the Shanghai leg of the tour concluded, fans were once again reminded why this sport captivates audiences worldwide. With the circuit heading next to Madrid, expectations are sky-high. The competition remains fierce, and every round counts as teams battle for the ultimate championship glory.
