Despite winning two national classes earlier this week, and having been a regular visitor for many years, an international win at Royal Windsor Horse Show had eluded Laura Kraut. But, in front of a packed crown, the former Olympic Gold Medallist changed that on Saturday by taking top place in the Kingdom of Bahrain Stakes for the King’s Cup.
With a midway draw in the 10-strong jump-off, Laura produced a superbly quick round on Nouvelle (Solitair x Cantango) and held the lead by a huge margin of over five seconds from Britain’s Robert Smith on Bavi (Balou du Rouet x Caretino). Third place went to Daniel Neilson on Strides Simba (Toulon x Argentinus).
“It was a fun round to ride,” said Laura. “She [Nouvelle] has been unlucky with injuries and sickness – and after investigation, she was found to have cysts on her ovaries [which have now been treated].
“She’s now much happier and I am so pleased for her owners [Evita Group]. It’s also really nice to give [my other top horse] Cedric a bit of a break.”
France’s Adeline Hécart also secured her first Royal Windsor Horse Show win during her first visit to the event. She did it in fine style in the Falcon Stakes riding Question d’Orval (Rosire x Tu Viens d'Orval).
“The show is amazing,” she said. “Everything is organised with the horse in mind and the ground and atmosphere are so good. I really hope I can come here again.”
Source: Press release from Revolution Sports + Entertainment