Christian Kukuk wins Grand Prix in Wellington and becomes a dad

Christian Kukuk and his successful horse Checker (Comme il Faut x Come on) finished this year's "Winter Equestrian Festival" in Wellington, Florida, with an impressive victory in the CSI5* Grand Prix. The rider from Ludger Beerbaum's stables won the jump-off against Laura Kraut from the USA and Ashlee Bond, who competes for Israel.

Kukuk and the 15-year-old Westphalian grey mastered the decisive course with no faults in 39.2 seconds - just faster than Kraut with Bisquetta (Bisquet Balou C x Takashi van Berkenbroeck). It was a day full of emotions for Kukuk: His daughter was born just a few hours before the victory.

Of the five German pairs competing, only Kukuk made it into the jump-off. The other German riders, including Rene Dittmer, Sophie Hinners, André Thieme and Richard Vogel, had no chance of reaching the final. The conclusion of the festival, which spanned twelve international tournaments, marks the end of the three-month winter tournament series in Florida.