The penultimate CSI5* class at the 2017 Shanghai Longines Global Champions Tour proved to be a case of saving the best action for last as Abdullah Al Sharbatly (KSA) and Woulon L (Toulon x G.Ramiro Z) took a dramatic win from under the nose of Dutch star Leopold van Asten (NED). Finishing just two hundreds of a second apart, the wonderful Woulon L jumped his socks off to win the class. 

Leopold van Asten (NED) and VDL Groep Miss Untouchable (Chacco-Blue x Aldatus) looked to be the ones to beat, as the pair put in a flawless round to raise the bar and stop the clock in 61.91s. Laura Kraut (USA) and Confu (Contact Me x Cambridge) put in a valiant effort, but feel just shy of Leopold’s time crossing the line in 62.55s. Scott Brash (GBR) and Hello Annie (Contendro I x For Pleasure) looked strong, but the British rider couldn’t top the timesheets eventually slipping to fourth overall despite their effortlessly classy clear. 

As final rider to go, Abdullah Al Sharbatly entered the ring on Woulon L. The pair set off at a gallop, eating up the distances between the first few fences but keeping all the control and scope to ensure no poles rolled. Taking a stride out to the last Woulon L flew to the finish, crossing the line just two hundredths of a second ahead of Leopold van Asten.