Philippaerts Powers to Shanghai Glory Delivering in High-Stakes Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix
Mdmar – Shanghai -LGCT
The electric atmosphere of Shanghai reached fever pitch as 40 world class riders went head-to-head in the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Shanghai, with over €630,500 in prize money on the line in one of the most competitive classes of the 2026 season so far.
*“mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
Set within the spectacular Shanghai Juss International Equestrian Centre, the third stage of the championship delivered everything in a jump-off packed with drama. Against a backdrop of world-class sport and an electric atmosphere, the class built to a thrilling climax, with margins tight and nothing left to chance.
Belgium’s Nicola Philippaerts stormed to victory aboard Katanga v/h Dingeshof, producing a flawless double clear as the first to go in the 19 rider jump-off – stopping the clock in 45.31 seconds to take the win in style.
*“mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
Germany’s Marcus Ehning secured second place with Coolio 42, 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, 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.”
He went on to add, “It was a very long jump-off for me – I stuck to my plan and was perhaps a little lucky with some faults falling here and there. I couldn’t be more pleased with my horse and she truly deserved it. Our sport is becoming so global, the opportunity to ride in such a stadium and to jump here in Shanghai with this amount of crowd I think is fantastic – it’s a very nice win.”
*“mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
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 championship, the leaderboard is finely poised.
*“mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
Katrin Eckermann and Simon Delestre 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. With Shanghai now complete, the championship fight is intensifying as the Tour builds momentum heading into Europe.
19 combinations rose to the challenge to secure their place in the jump-off but big names including reigning LGCT Champion Gilles Thomas, Peder Fredricosn, and Max Kühner, not making the cut this time. The jump-off turned into an all-out race against the clock forcing mistakes and keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats.
First out of the gate, Nicola Philippaerts didn’t just set the pace – he threw down the gauntlet. A fearless, flat-out round with Katanga v/h Dingeshof – tight turns, no hesitation, full commitment – stopping the clock in 45.31 seconds – a time that instantly put the pressure on the rest.
One by one, they came for it.
*“mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
But the real threat? It looked like defending LGCT Grand Prix of Shanghai winner Scott Brash had it. Flat-out from the start with Hello Chadora Lady, up on the clock and flying – until it all unraveled. One rail. Gone. Despite a blistering 43.82s, it dropped him out of contention and into fourth.
Marcus Ehning answered with trademark precision aboard Coolio 42, smooth and calculated, but even his 47.14 seconds couldn’t touch the benchmark – slotting into second.
Then came Antoine Ermann, continuing his breakout run. Cool under pressure, he delivered another double clear with Jiamo VDS, stopping the clock at 48.02 to lock in third against a world-class field.
Margins. Brutal. Behind them, it was relentless.
*“mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
Simon Delestre and Gatsby du Tillard picked up four faults in 45.80, while Christian Ahlmann (Applebridge Tag Z – 46.17) and Hans-Dieter Dreher (Elysium – 46.85) stayed in the fight but couldn’t keep the poles up.
Oliver Lazarus with Conbalthago PS (47.20) and Sophie Hinners aboard Iron Dames Singclair (48.57) rounded out a fiercely competitive top nine – every rider pushing, every second counting.
Further down, it was full attack mode. Koen Vereecke, Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann, and Pim Mulder all delivered fast rounds but paid the price with rails, while the pressure mounted.
Even the biggest names weren’t immune. Ben Maher pushed hard but finished on 7 faults after an unexpected stop, while Victor Bettendorf, Philipp Weishaupt, Niels Bruynseels, Kendra Claricia Brinkop, and Henrik von Eckermann all chased the time but couldn’t match it clean.
*“mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
Because in the end, there was only one target – and no one could hit it.
In a jump-off packed with 19 of the world’s best, it was Nicola Philippaerts who delivered when it mattered most – ice-cold, full throttle, and untouchable.
With Shanghai complete, the championship now turns to Madrid for Stage 4 from 15–17 May, where the battle for crucial points continues to build. After a defining performance in China, all eyes will be on whether the latest LGCT Grand Prix winner can carry that momentum forward – or if a new contender will emerge in the Spanish capital. As the season gathers pace, every point becomes more valuable – and if Shanghai is anything to go by, the battle for the 2026 title is only just getting started.
*“mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
The “Mdmar” website which was Founded by Khaled Makhlouf in 2007 for horse and equestrian races is keen to cover and follow all competitions related to horses, from show jumping, Horseracing, speed and endurance races, and purebred Arabian horse beauty shows, which belong to the Arab Gulf countries at home and abroad in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
