Double victory for Christian Kukuk: fatherly joy and Rolex triumph in one day
Birth of his daughter and title defense in Wellington make March 30 unforgettable
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Christian Kukuk experienced a day full of emotion and success on Saturday: in the morning, the German Olympic champion became the father of a daughter, and in the evening he secured victory in the prestigious Rolex Grand Prix of Wellington for the second time in a row. In the saddle of Checker, a gray stallion by Comme il Faut, Kukuk confidently prevailed against strong competition in the jump-off and won the main competition with prize money of 750,000 dollars.
With a clear round in 39.20 seconds, Kukuk left Laura Kraut with Bisquetta (39.49 seconds) and Ashlee Bond with Donatello behind in the jump-off. Even before the start, Kukuk had suspected that only a few pairs would remain clear - and he was right.
The other German starters were less fortunate: Rene Dittmer with Corsica and Sophie Hinners on Iron Dames Combella both collected eight penalty points. André Thieme and Richard Vogel also failed to qualify for the jump-off with Paule S and Event de L'Heribus respectively.
Despite all his sporting successes, the moment his daughter was born was the biggest highlight of the day for Kukuk - a double triumph that is hard to beat.