Scott Brash Makes Triumphant Return with Long-Awaited LGCTour G. Prix Win in Shanghai
Mdmar – Shanghai – LGCT
In a heart-pounding climax to an unforgettable weekend in Shanghai, Scott Brash and Hello Chadora Lady surged to victory in the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Shanghai 2025, earning the richest reward from the €626,000 prize pot and securing his first LGCT Grand Prix win since 2021.
Returning to winning form on the world stage, Brash and the electric 12-year-old mare delivered two faultless rounds, navigating the buzzing atmosphere at the Shanghai Juss International Equestrian Centre with trademark precision and nerve. The win marks a powerful comeback for the two time LGCT Champion and adds a new chapter to his storied career.
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Speaking at the press conference after his victory, Brash said: “There really are incredible facilities at this venue, which always brings out the best in the sport. And today was a very well built track, it was tough but fair. I walked the course and i wasn’t sure how many clears there would be but that shows the standard of horse and riders that are here in Shanghai.”
The jump-off featured a high-calibre lineup of sixteen contenders, including all three podium finishers from last year’s LGCT Grand Prix: Gilles Thomas with Luna van het Dennehof, Michael Duffy aboard Claptonn Mouche, and Edwina Tops Alexander aboard Fellow Castlefield. In a reversal of fortunes, it was Brash who stole the spotlight this time, stopping the clock in a lightning-fast 43.94 seconds.
Just 0.17s behind was Gilles Thomas aboard Luna van het Dennehof, fresh off last year’s win at this very venue. His time of 44.11 seconds was enough to secure second place in a fiercely fought battle, continuing a spectacular season for the young Belgian talent.
Completing the podium was Spain’s Eduardo Alvarez Aznar, piloting Legend to third place with another double clear, rounding off an exceptional week of elite sport. Aznar continues to show remarkable form as the tour heads to his home show in Madrid.
Only 1.34 seconds separated third and sixth place in what was one of the tightest LGCT Grand Prix jump-offs of the season, underscoring the fierce level of competition under the Shanghai lights.
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Speaking to GCTV after his second place, a pleased Gilles Thomas said “I had a really good round with my mare Luna in the jump off, she is so super careful so I always need to be really accurate, but the forward stride of a jump off really suits her – she doesn’t like to wait.” He went on to add, “now being second in the championship is a nice extra for today, but we have only had three stages so there is a lot of jumping to do.”
Acknowledging the impressive lineup of horses and riders qualified for the jump off, Aznar knew his solid preparation would stand him in good stead. He said: “From the first day I have felt him in super shape here in Shanghai. Today was a fantastic jump off, really great sport, many clear rounds… so I thought it was going to be really, really quick.” He added, “I believed a lot in my horse, so I knew I should keep a good rhythm, turn up tight and then in the end I was only one second behind, and I am really, really happy with the performance today.”
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With this victory, Scott Brash secures a coveted Golden Ticket to the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix at the GC Playoffs in Prague this November, joining an elite line-up of riders preparing for the sport’s most prestigious showdown. Fiercely contested by the best in the world, the ticket is a prized entry to the season’s ultimate test – and a visibly relieved Brash reflected on the journey ahead, saying: “It’s incredible to be part of it again.”
In the updated 2025 LGCT Championship standings, it’s Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander who now leads the way with 75 points, following an impressive and consistent start to the season. Shanghai runner-up Gilles Thomas climbs to second on 67 points, while Brash’s victory propels him into third overall, reigniting his championship campaign.
The event once again drew a full house of passionate fans, many dressed in their finest, creating a charged and glamorous atmosphere. As the fourth stage of the season, the Shanghai Grand Prix not only thrilled spectators but also served as a key turning point in the 2025 championship standings.
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The class delivered early drama as Andreas Schou and Napoli vh Nederassenthof were first to go, setting a tight and clear benchmark that left him with a long, nervous wait as some of the world’s best lined up to challenge.
Several contenders took big risks in pursuit of speed – but it came at a cost. Lara Tryba, Zoe Conter, and Philipp Weishaupt each saw rails fall after sharp turns and bold approaches. Heartbreak followed for Lorenzo de Luca on Jappeloup and Robert Murphy aboard Kannem J.A.Z, both of whom suffered refusals that pushed them out of contention.
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Two-time LGCT Champion Edwina Tops-Alexander, runner-up in Shanghai last year, produced another stellar clear round with the ever-reliable Fellow Castlefield, momentarily slotting in behind Schou.
Nadja Peter-Steiner and the striking Mila impressed with a cool-headed double clear, while Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann looked poised for a strong finish until a tight turn to the penultimate fence saw her clip the wing and end her hopes.
Then came defending Shanghai winner Gilles Thomas, determined to hold onto his crown. Attacking the track with intent, he and Luna van het Dennehof soared into the lead, laying down a fearless round that turned up the pressure on those still to come.
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Hot on his heels, Eduardo Alvarez Aznar, winner of last year’s LGCT Grand Prix of Rabat, this time aboard Legend, delivered a gutsy, fast double clear to slot just behind Gilles and keep the tension sky-high.
As the pressure mounted, the next wave of big names – Marcus Ehning, Nicola Philippaerts, and Michael Duffy – each saw fences fall in their pursuit of the win. Reigning LGCT Champion Max Kühner looked set for a steady clear until he launched at the final fence at full speed, only to bring it down and watch his chance at the podium slip away.
That left just one man standing.
Scott Brash and Hello Chadora Lady entered the arena last – the only ones who could stop Gilles from going back-to-back in Shanghai. With laser focus and trademark precision, Brash delivered a foot-perfect round, shaving milliseconds off the clock with ice-cold efficiency. As the final fence cleared and the time flashed up, Brash punched the air in celebration – his long-awaited return to the top was complete.
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Sunday’s result also marks another successful edition of the event at the purpose-built Shanghai Juss International Equestrian Centre, now firmly established as a flagship destination on the Tour. With its striking cityscape backdrop, packed stands, and world-class competition, Shanghai continues to elevate the global profile of show jumping in China.
As the Tour heads next to Madrid, the momentum builds – and with it, the race for the 2025 title intensifies.
As always, fans around the world can relive all the action, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments on GCTV – the best seat in show jumping.
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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.
