Edited press release from Global Champions League 

For the second year running, the Shanghai Swans clinched victory under the floodlights of the Shanghai Juss International Equestrian Centre in Shanghai, China, at the third stage of the 2025 GCL-season with Ben Maher (GBR) and Max Kühner (AUT) on Dallas Vegas Batilly (Cap Kennedy x L'Arc de Triomphe), Enjeu de Grisien (Toulon x Andiamo), EIC Up Too Jacco Blue (Chacco-Blue x Ard VDL Douglas) and EIC Julius Caesar (Couleur Rubin x Cancara) delivering when it mattered the most.

Maher shared after the class that the strategy of time vs. faults all came into play heading into round two: “There were a lot of teams on four faults and you never quite know what is going to happen with the teams on zero… but I said to Max before I went in, start with a positive attitude and keep it a little bit quick."

Valkenswaard United soared up the overall GCL rankings with a gritty and composed performance from Marcus Ehning (GER) and Gilles Thomas (BEL) on Priam du Roset (Plot Blue x Tanael du Serein), DPS Revere (Hermes de Reve x Dobel's Cento), Luna van het Dennehof (Prince van de Wolfsakker x Quidam de Revel) and Elfra van Beek Z (El Salvador x Vagabond de La Pomme) after claiming the runner-up position nearly six seconds slower than the Swans. With a brand-new lineup featuring Robert Murphy (GBR) and Kannem J.A. Z (Kannan x Lux Z) joining the long-standing members Scott Brash (GBR) and Denis Lynch (IRL) on Hello Chadora Lady (Chacco-Blue x Nintener), Hello Senator (Carambole x Indoctro) and Mr Boombastic (Vigo Cece x Sable Rose), New York Empire powered by Lugano rounded off the podium in third. 

Speaking to GCTV, Marcus Ehning commented: “All the teams were so close together, the time was very important - it was a shame that I had one down in the first round, but at the end of the day it was important for us to be on the podium looking forward to the rest of the season.”

Shanghai Swans now take a narrow lead on the overall GCL ranking on 71 points, with last year’s champions Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames in second on 68 points and Valkenswaard United hot on their heels in third with 53 points.