Under the dazzling lights of Shanghai, Daniel Deusser stole the spotlight with a thrilling victory in the CSI5* 1.50m jump-off at the Longines Global Champions Tour. Competing at the Shanghai Juss International Equestrian Centre, Deusser and his impressive mount, Otello de Guldenboom, delivered a lightning-quick round that left the crowd breathless and his competitors playing catch-up. The city’s skyline provided a stunning backdrop as equestrian fans packed the stands, creating an electric atmosphere for an unforgettable night of world-class sport.
Setting the pace as the first rider in the jump-off, Deusser didn’t hesitate. With razor-sharp turns and daring decisions, he navigated the course with absolute confidence, clocking in a sensational time that no one could surpass. This victory marked his second of the weekend, further cementing his place among the elite this season. Reflecting on his round, he acknowledged the strategic risk he took by pushing hard early, knowing it would put immense pressure on those who followed.
Course designer Peter Grant had set a technical challenge that required both speed and precision. While Deusser made it look effortless, the rest of the 16-rider field had to step up their game. Belgium’s Gilles Thomas came closest with Elfra van Beek Z, finishing just behind the leader. Simon Delestre of France showed consistency and class, rounding out the top three on Golden Boy DK. Each ride brought its own flair, but none could eclipse Deusser’s bold benchmark.
Maximilian Weishaupt impressed with his performance on Kokomo B, taking fourth place after a smooth and confident round. Thibeau Spits was quick out of the gate and delivered a clean performance on Conrad Quality Z, laying down the early marker for the rest to follow. The tight margins and fierce competition reflected the high stakes and intense preparation behind every round.
As the competition unfolded, a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging stars took their shot. Denis Lynch, who celebrated his birthday with a composed clear, couldn’t quite match the speed. Wilm Vermeir and Luiz Felipe Cortizo de Azevedo Filho played it safe with fault-free rides, but their conservative approach didn’t challenge the top of the leaderboard. Meanwhile, Julien Anquetin, Friday’s speed class winner, went all-in but paid the price with multiple rails down after a high-risk effort on Farah Tame.
Others, like Inès Joly and Zoe Conter, brought youthful energy to the field. Joly showed poise beyond her years, riding Imposant van de Renger to a clean finish, while Conter had a promising start that was abruptly halted by an early mistake. Big names like Ben Maher and Emanuele Gaudiano went all-out with aggressive tactics, but single faults derailed their chances. Gilles Thomas and Eduardo Alvarez Aznar pushed until the very end, keeping the crowd on edge, yet couldn’t quite deliver the flawless performance needed to unseat Deusser.
The Shanghai crowd was treated to a true spectacle — a fast-paced, high-drama contest that showcased the very best of the sport. Deusser’s masterclass in timing, technique, and courage turned the night into a defining moment in the 2025 tour. As anticipation builds for the Grand Prix of Shanghai, all eyes will be on the top contenders looking to carry this momentum forward and make their mark.
Equestrian fans can look forward to more elite competition as the tour continues, with the next marquee event set for Sunday, May 4th. With form, fire, and fierce rivalries on display, the stage is perfectly set for another dramatic showdown.
