Amelie Bittar again

Amelie Bittar again
The first Grand Prix of the weekend with the Ecuries d’Ecaussinnes Trophy up for grabs in Friday's class tasted like revenge for Amelie Bittar and Beirut B. Barely bested by her own sister yesterday, the young American today won the National Trophy Grand Prix at 1.15m. This came as no surprise as the pair ranked well in all of their rounds since the beginning of the Longines Masters of Los Angeles. This kept her parents, supporters and friends all extremely happy of the young protégé’s victory.

“I wanted her to win, she deserves it,” could be heard here and there. “She took off with me," laughed the rider. "She saved me. She was perfect all weekend, I love her.” The young rider gave a thrilling jump-off, cheered on by all her loved ones and opponents.

That’s what you can witness in the National Trophy: a group of friends, opponents during the competition, but always supportive of each other. Even if you could notice Sloan Elmassian’s disappointment as she temporarily led before Amelie Bittar’s round and finishing second, she was the first to congratulate the winner. These riders are so mature for their age that they are great sports even when they're not on top.

Another page turns as the Longines Masters of Los Angeles’ book is closing for them until next year’s edition. They will now enjoy the show put on by their idols in the Pro-Am for Charity and the Emirates Gold Cup that follow in the evening.