Photos: Stefano Grasso / LGCT
A breathtaking Shanghai Longines Global
Champions Tour Grand Prix jump off had fans on the edge of
their seats as Abdullah Al Sharbatly (KSA) and Tobalio
emerged victorious ahead of Marco Kutscher (GER) and Van
Gogh, and Marc Houtzager (NED) with Sterrehof's Calimero.
After the showcase competition it was revealed that Longines
Global Champions Tour and partner Juss Event have signed a
long-term agreement for the future of the event in Shanghai,
which has become a dynamic fixture on the circuit's
international calendar. The unique 5* event in China was
part of a strategic expansion by the Tour into Asia and has
quickly become a hot favourite with spectators who queued
early today to ensure their seats for the Grand Prix. The
announcement of the new agreement marks a definitive
commitment to the progress of the sport in Asia in future
years.
2016 marked the third year of the Shanghai LGCT. Thousands
packed the grandstands and filled the chic shopping village
as families flocked to enjoy the show jumping spectacle and
world class entertainment. Autograph sessions, meet and
greets and photo opportunities with riders were a hit with
the audience. VIP guests made the social scene sizzle
sporting “Ascot Ladies Day” outfits and hats. Model Lin
Chi-ling created a stir in a striking black dress as she
watched from the VIP where Longines President Walter von
Känel joined guests.
The result of the $485,000 Grand Prix dramatically extended
Christian Ahlmann’s ranking lead to 129 points, with
Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) leaping up to second in 96 points,
and John Whitaker (GBR) in third on 85 points.
The 1.60m Grand Prix saw a few big names return to the arena
for the first time this season, with Ludger Beerbaum’s
prolific stallion Chaman in action and Marco Kutscher’s
(GER) Van Gogh back in the show ring for the first time
after a long break. Maikel van der Vleuten’s (NED) top horse
VDL Groep Verdi TN N.O.P. was one of the headliners, as was
Christian Ahlmann’s eye-catching stallion Colorit, both of
whom looked on fantastic form throughout the Grand Prix.
The world’s top three riders were among the starters for the
2016 Shanghai LGCT Grand Prix. Uliano Vezzani’s course
demanded horse and rider use delicacy and power with full
height verticals, intimidating oxers and a spook-inducing
liverpool fence which caught out a few combinations. It was
Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer and his nine year old bay
gelding Tarioso Manciais who lead the way after a
captivating first round performance.
Hot on his heels was World Number 1 Simon Delestre (FRA)
with Chesall, and Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) with H&M Legend
of Love, who put in an impressive performance to finish
round one at the sharp end of the grid. A total of 13 riders
went clear, with notable names such as Ludger Beerbaum (GER)
and Chaman, Scott Brash (GBR) and Hello Forever, LGCT
Ranking Leader Christian Ahlmann (GER) with Colorit, Edwina
Tops-Alexander (AUS) with Caretina de Joter, Sheikh Ali Bin
Khalid Al Thani (QAT) with Vienna Olympic, and Rodrigo
Pessoa (BRA) with Ferro Chin v. Lindenhof leading the way
into the next round of competition.
Round two saw a longer course, making full use of the arena,
and requiring plenty of energy left in the tank. Michael
Whitaker (GBR) and Viking picked up an unlucky four faults
after clipping a fence towards the end of the course, and
compatriot Scott Brash (GBR) had an unusual refusal with
Hello Forever at the combination. Maikel van der Vleuten and
VDL Groep Verdi TN N.O.P, Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) with
H&M Legend Of Love, Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) with Caspar 232
and Simon Delestre (FRA) all picked up four faults putting
them out of contention.
The jump-off saw five riders line up to take their shot at
the title. First to go was LGCT Grand Prix of Miami Beach
winner Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) who looked on phenomenal
form with Caretina de Joter. Edwina rode a class round
across the galloping course, setting the pace at 43.45s as
the time to beat. Next up was Marc Houtzager (NED) with
Sterrehof's Calimero - a bigger striding horse with paces
that ate up the distances - and the pair pipped Edwina’s
time to cross the finish in 43.26s, just tenths of a second
ahead.
The crowd were now on the edge of their seats as Marco
Kutscher (GER) with the beautiful dark bay stallion Van Gogh
entered the arena. Right from the outset the pair set off at
speed shaving every corner possible, Marco and Van Gogh flew
to the last stopping the clock in 42.27s - just shy of a
full second ahead of the previous two riders. Watching
intently was LGCT Ranking leader Christian Ahlmann with his
stunning stallion Colorit. Careful, powerful and fast, horse
and rider galloped through the course, with Christian taking
out strides and guiding Colorit beautifully around the
circuit, maximising shortcuts and showcasing a foot-perfect
round. The crowd were on their feet as they approached the
final fence ahead on time. But it was not to be. The crowd
groaned as Christian collected four faults despite his
impressive time of 40.68s.
Last to go were the combination of Abdullah Al Sharbatly
(KSA) and Tobalio, who knew they had Marco Kutscher (GER)
and Van Gogh to beat. Abdullah and Tobalio set off at a
blinding pace. They raced to the last, and with a stag-like
leap cleared the final fence and crossed the finish line in
41.97s as the crowd erupted in cheers.
The Tour now returns to Europe and to Hamburg for the fifth
round of action as the 2016 championship picks up pace.
Jan Tops, Longines Global Champions Tour Founder and
President: “We started with a show here three years ago,
and every year it gets better and better. The riders know
that, and have the same feeling, even if it’s a long way
[from Europe]. The horses travelled amazingly, the footing
and facilities are as good as any in Europe, and I’m very
proud of what the Chinese are doing. The Government and Juss
Events are great partners, and that reflects the sport.
Today we saw how well the horses jumped - we had five in the
jump-off and it was a great [Grand Prix].”
Abdullah Al Sharbatly, Gold Medallist: “I would like
to thank all the organisers, especially Jan Tops, and the
sponsor Longines for this great Global Champions Tour. I’m
really happy to be in this great event with a great crowd -
the atmosphere is unbelievable. I’m happy today to win -
last year I had the last fence down in the Grand Prix and
was unlucky, but this year was a great win. I would also
like to thank my colleagues in second, third and fourth
place - they were all amazing, and did a very good job.
Tobalio is my best horse - he is amazing."
Marco Kutscher, Silver Medallist: “I would like to
say thank you to the organising committee and the sponsor
Longines - they did a great job and it’s always a pleasure
to be here in Shanghai. I’m very satisfied, especially with
Van Gogh as it was his first Grand Prix after Hong Kong. He
had a break of two and a half months breeding, and he came
back just one day before departure. I’m really satisfied
with the way he jumped, and I’m happy to be second in this
class."
Marc Houtzager, Bronze Medallist: “Calimero is only
nine years old and it was his first serious Grand Prix at
CSI5* level. When you have a good horse, it makes riding a
little easier! I think Uliano did a fantastic job with the
course and I’m really happy with my result.”
Christian Ahlmann, LGCT Ranking Leader: “It’s a very
good start [to the season]. In all of the classes [we
finished] in the top eight, and have three times jumped
double clear. Colorit did a very good job today - at the end
we had one down at the last fence, otherwise we could have
won this big Grand Prix. In the overall ranking I’m still
leading, and it looks quite promising, so I hope I can keep
this shape and I’m looking forward to the other shows.”