Laura Kraut secures Nations Cup win for USA in Mexico

Laura Kraut secures Nations Cup win for USA in Mexico

The second round of the Longines FEI Nations Cup of Mexico did put a large amount of pressure was mounted on Laura Kraut's (USA) shoulders. Kraut was last to go and did have to produce a clear round with her Baloutinue.

Kraut and her daughter of Balou du Rouet are already experienced up to the highest level with over 750.000 euro in prize money collected. The pair not only produced that critical cleareffort buyt she would also go on to secure the victory for her team in a two-horse jump-off with Mexico's Eugenio Garza Perez. 

Kraut shared the Nations Cup victory with Kent Farrington aboard Landon (Comilfo Plus), Jessica Springsteen with Don Juan van de Donkhoeve (Bamako de Muze) and Bliss Heers aboard Antidote de Mars (Diamant de Semilly).

Hosting country, Mexico followed as runner-up on stage as Garza and Contago (Cornet Obolensky) were about two seconds slower as Kraut. Canada was third!

In the jump-off, it was footspeed that proved to be the greatest difference-maker.  

"We watched Eugenio go, and as I was walking in the ring, Kent said, 'Your normal speed will be quick enough,'" Kraut said. "So when I started, I went maybe a touch quicker than my normal speed.

"I couldn't be happier with him. He's probably a horse of a lifetime," she added. "That's a big statement, because I've had some incredible horses."

The United States takes an early lead in the North and Central America and Caribbean division of the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cupâ„¢ with 100 points. Mexico sits second with 90 points, and Canada is third with 80 points. The division continues on 14 May 2023 in San Juan Capistrano (USA).