Beerbaum is hot favourite for the Grand Prix in the buzzing city of Shanghai

5 June - The most famous names in show jumping have been enjoying the fantastic sights of the dynamic city of Shanghai today. The historic debut of the Tour in this hip, buzzing city has created huge excitement and this evening several hundred guests enjoyed a glamorous cocktail party on The Bund to celebrate this landmark Longines Global Champions Tour show jumping event.

World No 3 Ludger Beerbaum (GER) said he was ‘curious’ to see Shanghai - the four-time Olympic Gold medallist is definitely hot favourite for the Grand Prix on Saturday. Beerbaum has an on-going association with Asian equestrianism and has been training Chinese riders since 2005. “To see the development of Chinese riders and Chinese events, and the sport in general in the last nine years, I am convinced that they will have success in future championships and Olympic Games,” says Beerbaum.

However, he admits it’s tough for Chinese riders to get the experience they need if they stay in China - the arrival of the LGCT is marks a big step for equestrian sports here. “All over Europe we have thousands of shows to compete in every year, so riders have the chance to learn and improve week by week. Many top Chinese riders train in Europe because of this. For me success is about accuracy which comes with repetition. Accuracy is necessary all the time in our sports. It begins with the correct training and equipment for horse and rider, the first steps on horse back, the concentration in the class, preparing in the ring - everything.”

The Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Shanghai will be on Saturday afternoon.

source: http://www.globalchampionstour.com/