Riding tall in the saddle

New wave of Chinese talent competes against the world's best at Shanghai showcase

The Longines Global Champions Tour rode into Shanghai last weekend, with Chinese riders relishing the rare chance to test themselves on home soil against the world's best.

As a CSI level-5 show jumping event sanctioned by global governing body the FEI, the competition attracted top stars like Belgium's Gregory Wathelet, who won the weekend's main title (1.60 meters), Dutch world No 2 Harrie Smolders and Britain's Olympic gold medalist Scott Brash.