Christian Ahlmann narrowly beaten – Laura Kraut wins at the “Bird's Nest”

In the end Christian Ahlmann from Marl (Germany) reached the finish line a second too late: The victory at the third “Longines Beijing Equestrian Masters” went to America. Laura Kraut won at the “Bird’s Nest” national stadium in Peking in front of a crowd of approximately 10,000 spectators on Saturday.

Nine of the 35 equestrian athletes, including five Chinese riders, had jumped clear over the course designed by Frank Rothenberger to reach the jump-off. The speedy lady rider triumphed with U-Prova, whom she steered round the course at breakneck speed.

Last year’s winner, Jos Lansink, from Belgium didn’t make the jump-off having picked up eight faults in the first round.

The international riders competed on borrowed mounts due to the quarantine regulations in China (horses can enter the country, but are not allowed to leave again).

The co-organiser, Michael Mronz, from the Aachener Reitturnier GmbH was extremely satisfied: “In the meantime this event at this spectacular location has become something exceptional. The acceptance is continually growing among the spectators and the media.” In addition to numerous Chinese media, Eurosport also broadcasted live from Peking. Mronz's colleague, Frank Kemperman, was particularly impressed by the high standard of the Chinese riders: “We have noticed a great development here over the past years, we will no doubt be seeing a few of them again soon at the big international equestrian events.”

Results Grand Prix Longines Beijing Equestrian Masters

1. Laura Kraut (USA) on U-Prova, 0 / 37.46
2. Christian Ahlmann (GER) on Cinetto, 0 / 38.97
3. Xiaokelatiabayi (CHN) on Ukendy, 0 / 43.99
4. Zhu Meimei (CHN) on Cheval de Blanc, 0 / 44.10
5. Kenneth Cheng (HKG) on Chairman V, 4 / 37.19 …
8. Ludger Beerbaum (GER) on Lilliom, 4 / 40.07
9. Marco Kutscher (GER) on Quentino, 11 / 54.03