Christian Kukuk wins the Grand Prix of Ocala

Christian Kukuk and the Dutch mare Just Be Gentle (Tyson x Ticalluc Verte) took the lead in the Grand Prix at the start of the Longines League of Nations show weekend in Ocala. Out of a total of 39 starters, the duo from Riesenbeck impressed with a clear round in the jump-off and a time of 40.61 seconds. Ireland's Cian O'Connor on Iron (Charisma Z x Mr Blue) came second, two tenths of a second behind, followed by France's Nina Malleveay with Nikka vd Bisshop (Emerald van 't Ruytershof x Nabab de Rêve).

Other German riders were also represented: Sophie Hinners took eighth place with Iron Dames Combella (Cornet du Lys x Indoctro), while Richard Vogel came tenth with Levi Nosar (Zirocco Blue x Baloubet du Rouet). Course designer Alan Wade had set a challenging course, which only nine pairs mastered without faults. After his victory, Kukuk was delighted with his eleven-year-old mare, who will also be competing for the German team in the Nations Cup on Saturday. ClipMyHorse.TV will be broadcasting the competition live from 21:30 German time.