Press release from Longines Global Champions Tour, edited by World of Showjumping

Belgium’s Nicola Philippaerts stormed to victory aboard Katanga v/h Dingeshof (Cardento x Tornedo FCS) in the CSI5* 1.60m Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Shanghai, producing a flawless double clear as the first to go in the jump-off of 19 –  stopping the clock in 45.31 seconds to take the win in style.

Germany’s Marcus Ehning secured second place with Coolio 42 (Casalito x Quidam de Revel), delivering a smooth and competitive round in 47.14 seconds, while France’s rising star Antoine Ermann completed the podium in third with Jiamo VDS (Thunder vd Zuuthoeve x Carolus H), finishing in 48.02 seconds.

Speaking after his victory, still soaking in the atmosphere, Nicola Philippaerts paid tribute to his mare Katanga v/h Dingeshof. “My mare - she is such a fighter. She has been in so many jump-offs, so it’s nice to win in front of such an incredible crowd. It’s so nice for her to have a win.”

Marcus Ehning reflected on an emotional return with Coolio, after a period away from top-level competition. “Coolio had a really nice holiday after Prague, and then I had a bit of time off myself with an injury, so it’s special to be back together like this. His last 1.60m class was at the GC Prague Playoffs, so to come here and jump like he did today, I’m very proud. He felt fantastic in the ring and gave me everything in a very tough jump-off.”

Young gun Antoine Ermann who pushed hard in the jump-off to secure a podium finish, reflected on the intensity of the class and the fine margins at the top level. “It was an incredibly competitive jump-off and you really had to take risks if you wanted to be in with a chance today. My horse gave me everything, and I’m very happy with how we performed - it’s always special to be on the podium at a show like Shanghai.”

After three stages of the 2026 LGCT season, the overall ranking is finely poised. Katrin Eckermann (GER) and Simon Delestre (FRA) sit tied at the top on 77 points, with Italy’s Piergiorgio Bucci close behind on 75. Great Britain's Jack Whitaker drops to fourth on 64 points, while Ireland’s Cian O’Connor rounds out the top five on 59 points.