Edited press release from Global Champions League

On the opening night of the GC Riyadh Playoffs, the GCL Super Cup Quarter Final saw the Shanghai Swans rising to the top of the leaderboard for a second year running. Stellar performances by Ben Maher (GBR) aboard Point Break (Action-Breaker x Balou du Rouet), Max Kühner (AUT) on Elektric Blue P (Eldorado vd Zeshoek x For Pleasure) and Daniel Deusser (GER) riding Killer Queen VDM (Eldorado vd Zeshoek x For Pleasure) secured the team’s leading position heading into Thursday’s competition.

Eight teams advanced to the Semi-Final, while Monaco Aces powered by Lion of Porches and 2018 GCL Super Cup Madrid In Motion exited the competition, leaving the 2024 GC Riyadh Playoffs on the very first day.

The Shanghai Swans claimed the top spot, finishing as the only team on a clean sheet between three horse-and-rider combinations. Deusser, Kühner and Maher debriefed in the GCTV studio where they spoke of their horse power and quiet confidence. “Through the season we didn't jump many times together with these horses," Maher said. "We really came this week with the experienced horses and hopefully we’ll put it all together going through the week.”

As a teammate and fellow veteran of the GC Playoffs, Kühner added: "It's a good start for sure, but we know that a lot can happen. Even if we have the best riders in the world and some of the best horses, a lot of things can happen.  But we will go for it. The Playoffs are always something special and also for us of course something special, where we want to show off, we want to be good and I think we put all our strength together with the best horses that we have and now we will try.”

Tess Carmicheal, co-owner of the Shanghai Swans, expressed her pride in the team's performance, stating: “I’m just over the moon with the team’s performance this evening. You really can’t ask for more than three solid clear rounds. We know that nothing is a given in this sport so although we really appreciate this start, we will continue to fight for the rest of the weekend!”

The top four teams from the GCL 2024-season - Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames, Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland Equestrian, Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses and Doha Falcons - are set to rejoin the action in Thursday’s Semi-Final, where all 12 teams will start on a clean slate.