ONE Irish student who certainly does not do things by half is Cork’s Edward Shanahan Sheehan who volunteered to work at last weekend’s Longines Global Champions Tour in Shanghai.

The son of Gerard and Eileen, Edward, who is studying at university in Shanghai, also spent his younger years very involved in Ireland’s showing, show jumping and carriage driving circuit.

So when the world’s most lucrative show jumping tour - the elite Longines Global Champions Tour - came to Shanghai last weekend, Edward jumped at the chance to work at it.

“This was the second time the prestigious event was hosted in Shanghai at the specular China Art Pavilion inside the 2010 World Expo grounds with stunning views of the Shanghai Tower, the world’s second largest skyscraper sparkling in the background. Last year’s event was the first time that foreign horses were allowed into mainland China to take part in a competition, not even the Beijing Olympics had equestrian events, which were instead held in Hong Kong,’’ Edward told The Irish Field.

“Over 70 of the world’s leading show jumping horses took part but unfortunately there were no riders representing Ireland this year, in stark contrast to last year where Ireland was represented by Billy Twomey, Shane Breen and Bertram Allen. Despite this, there was a strong Irish contingent working in the background, from blacksmiths to course builders.

“I found myself working for Colm McKay, events manager for LGCT, in the arena as an assistant in constructing the jumps along with a small crew of other international students in Shanghai with a keen interest in show jumping.

“The event itself was dominated by Kent Farrington (Blue Angel), who won three separate classes in speed trials, the most impressive of which was the €75,000 Massimo Dutti Trophy where he finished the course in 67.41 seconds. The main event was Saturday’s Grand Prix with a first place prize of over €142,000, with three exciting rounds, the competition really thrilled the audience and was won by Harrie Smolders.” (see GCT report A49)