Wiesbaden, Germany – May 19, 2013 – Laura Kraut and Cherry Knoll Farm’s Cedric rose to the top of the Longines Global Champions Tour rankings yesterday during the Grand Prix of Wiesbaden. Kraut’s winning jump-off beat out two-time Champion Edwina Tops-Alexander and her all-star horse Cevo Itot du Chateau by a mere two tenths of a second.  Kraut now sits in the top spot on 77 points, leading the Global Champions Tour standings, and she has her eye set on the fourth leg of the GCT at the Olympic Park in London.

Yesterday saw a first-class lineup of horse and rider combinations in the jump-off, all fighting for the €285,000 in Grand Prix money, but it was Kraut and Cedric who took home the lion’s share.

“It is Cedric’s fourth win on the Global Tour and I am very proud of him,” Kraut stated. “We have a long way to go, but I am just pleased to start off as strong as I have. I am excited about all the upcoming events, London in particular.”

The start list for the third Longines Global Champions Tour boasted 50 of the fastest horse and rider combinations across the globe. The best 18 riders made it through to the second round, and it became clear that the jump-off would see a true battle of the best between top riders Edwina Tops-Alexander, Hans-Dieter Dreher and Laura Kraut. It came down to six in the jump-off, but Kraut and Cedric would prove consistent with their accuracy and speed.

The tension mounted in the stands as the best in the world went neck-to-neck for the coveted championship. Four-time Olympic medalist Ludger Beerbaum took his turn at the short track, clearing all of the obstacles and becoming the pathfinder for the jump-off round. Gregory Wathelet attempted to shave the seconds off of his track, but a slice to the vertical cost him a clean round with a final total of four faults earned.

Tops-Alexander and Itot took over the lead with a fantastic time of 45.35 seconds. Although Dreher gave it his all, he would fall short with a clean round in 46.76 seconds. The tension was palpable as Kraut and Cedric entered the ring. Their performance in the jump-off was the epitome of top riding, demonstrating their long-time partnership as a true bond and understanding throughout their round. They completed the course in 45.12 seconds, never touching a single rail. They captured the victory, and outshined the competition to take the win and stand at the pinnacle of the podium.

“I think it was a good second round course, I had a lot of confidence. I didn’t feel I was that efficient in the jump-off, but I think the mad gallop to the last fence,” Kraut said. “I was a bit lucky, it made the difference. I am very pleased. It is Cedric’s fourth win on the Global Tour and I am very proud of him.”

It was a very exciting event for Team Cherry Knoll Farm as they watched the exhilarating victory unfold. Kraut will continue to compete in the Global Champions Tour, especially excited to show in the approaching leg in London. Kraut plans on staying at the top of her game with Cedric during the approaching legs of the tour. There is no doubt that the talented horse and rider team will stay in peak condition, and be one to watch as she gives her competitors a run for their money.

To stay informed about the dynamic duo’s results, please visit http://www.globalchampionstour.com/events/