Shanghai, China – May 03, 2024 – Day one of the Longines Global Champions Tour of Shanghai came to a close with Julien Anquetin (FRA) and 9-year-old Farah Tame taking the top spot in the €56,800 LGCT Shanghai Speed Challenge CSI 5*- 1.45m speed class by less than half a second. It was a full day of world-class equestrian sport, dazzling entertainment, and an electrifying atmosphere that captivated audiences from around the globe.
Speaking to GCTV the LGCT Grand Prix of Miami 2024 third place rider Julien explained: “It’s crazy here in Shanghai. I’ve really never seen anything like this before. It’s amazing – the lights, the atmosphere, it all has just been phenomenal today.”
As the gates opened to the Shanghai World Expo Equestrian Park, enthusiasts were greeted by the pulsating energy of an enthusiastic crowd eager to witness the pinnacle of show jumping. From seasoned veterans to rising stars the stage was set for a weekend of unparalleled competition.
The excitement reached new heights as the sun set over the iconic skyline of Shanghai, illuminating the arena with a mesmerizing light show that dazzled spectators and competitors alike. Against this spectacular backdrop, the Longines Global Champions Tour of Shanghai delivered a sensory feast, blending the elegance of equestrian sport with the excitement of live entertainment.
In front of an electric crowd in the sold-out stadium, Julien Anquetin (FRA) expertly navigated Uliano Vezzani’s (ITA) testing track to make it look easy.
In a close second place was Belgium’s Gilles Thomas (BEL) aboard Feromas van Beek Z. Thomas’s black stallion soared to take second place, coming in just one tenth of a second ahead of the LGCT Grand Prix of Doha 2024 runner-up Harry Allen (IRL).
The young rider from Ireland managed a clear round, narrowly avoiding a knockdown, aboard 13 year old bay gelding Lukaku vd Bisschop, earning them third place.
Not far behind was German showjumping sensation Daniel Deusser (GER) aboard Otello de Guldenboom who secured fourth place with a smooth, quick round. Belgium’s Jérôme Guery (BEL) put in a clean, quick round early on in the class setting the bar for the competitors to follow with his mare Come Away Flamingo Z.
In sixth place was Brazil’s Marlon Modolo Zanotelli (BRA) riding Zy-Zento. The pair rubbed a rail in the final combination but came home on 0 faults. On his birthday, Denis Lynch (IRL) expertly piloted his stallion Vistogrand through the challenging course to take seventh place. Pius Schwizer (SUI) narrowly avoided a rail in jump one aboard Vancouver de Lanlore. Schwizer pushed through to deliver a clear round and take eighth place.
Amidst the riveting competition, attendees were treated to a world-class shopping village featuring an array of luxury brands and artisanal treasures, providing an unparalleled shopping experience for discerning guests.
As the excitement winds down today, all eyes turn to the GCL team series competition tomorrow. This week’s home team, the Shanghai Swans, will fight for victory in front of their home crowd for the first time in five years. With the Prague Lions sitting comfortably in first place in the championship race, everyone will be on the edge of their seats. Will the Prague Lions be able to hold on to their lead or will a new leader emerge in the GCL of Shanghai?
Final Results – €56,800 LGCT Shanghai Speed Challenge CSI 5*- 1.45m
1) Julien Anquetin (FRA) & Farah Tame – 0 – 63.86
2) Gilles Thomas (BEL) & Feromas van Beek Z – 0 – 64.23
3) Harry Allen (IRL) & Lukaku vd Bisschop – 0 – 64.24
Source: Press Release from LGCT – Longines Global Champions Tour
Photos: © LGCT / Stefano Grasso
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Categories: CSI 5*, English, Global Champions Tour, Jumper News France
