In short
Christian Kukuk is back to back winner of the Wellington Rolex CSI5* Grand Prix
A double winner who just became father as wife Victoria was still in hospital
On Saturday, the $750,000 CSI5* Rolex Grand Prix was held in Wellington. After an eight-rider jump-off, reigning Olympic champion Christian Kukuk secured an emotional victory with Checker 47!
Kukuk wins this CSI5* Grand Prix for the second year in a row! "Honestly, I think I had a really fast start. Nevertheless, at some point, I felt like I lost time towards the last jump. I really thought Laura would beat me. But apparently, my fast start secured my advantage over Laura," says Christian Kukuk. "Winning this Rolex Grand Prix truly means a lot to me. Especially for my team. As you can see, my groom's best friend is Checker 47. And this victory proves that they have bonded, just as I have!"
"On top of that, my wife is in the hospital and gave birth to our newborn daughter this morning. So this is the cherry on top for me... a perfect first gift for my daughter!"
The duo finished just a few tenths of a second ahead of Laura Kraut with the Zangersheide mare, Bisquetta (Bisquet Balou van de Mispelaere). In third place followed Ashlee Bond with Donatello 141 (Diarado).
Just outside the top three, Jordan Coyle finished with Chaccolino (Chacco-Blue), ahead of Bertram Allen and the BWP horse, Qonquest de Rigo (Fantomas de Muze).