Amy Graham and Bella Baloubet Photo: Nicol Taylor
Amy Graham (Bella Baloubet) has topped the podium in the Drachten (NED) CSI3* overnight, the win is the first Grand Prix victory for the South Australian since she relocated to Europe four years ago.
Graham and her 12 year old grey stallion remained poised under pressure and were one of five combinations to finish the Grand Prix with two faultless rounds. Their second round time of 33.31 just edged out the next fastest combination of Robert Vos and Selano who finished the deciding round with a time of 33.38.
“I followed my instincts and was lucky that Bella Baloubet responded so well,” a delighted Graham said following her victory.
“It took a long time but finally we have won a Grand Prix in Europe. I am so often second, third or fourth placed so I am very glad,” she added.
Meanwhile Edwina Tops-Alexander and Cevo Itot du Chateau finished third in the Basel CSI5* (SUI).
15 riders progressed through to the second round of the prestigious Swiss event and the formidable Australian combination was one of nine to advance to the six fence jump-off. Six combinations jumped clear in the deciding round with Edwina and Itot’s time of 32.06 securing them third position on the podium.
The event was won by Luciana Diniz (Lennox) of Portugal and it is the first time that a woman has won the Basel Grand Prix.
Full results from each event are available at the competition websites:
Drachten CSI3* - www.icnndrachten.nl
Basil CSI5* - www.csi-basel.ch
