The success mare Pialotta (Pilot x Akitos XX) has passed away at the age of 33, Edwina Tops-Alexander has announced in social media. With Edwina Tops-Alexander in the saddle, Pialotta placed fourth at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen in 2006. Before Tops-Alexander took over the reins, Pialotta competed successfully with Switzerland's Steve Guerdat and Sweden's Rolf-Göran Bengtsson. With Bengtsson, Pialotta claimed individual bronze and team silver at the 2001 European Championships in Arnhem, while with Guerdat, she was part of the silver winning Swiss team at the 2005 European Championships in San Patrignano. 

"Today we say goodbye to Pialotta, the incredible mare who took me into the top level of show jumping," Tops-Alexander wrote in social media. "She not only helped me secure a 4th place at the World Championships in Aachen in 2006 but also helped me win my first 5-star Grand Prix. Riding her was such a privilege. Pialotta passed away at 33, a huge thank you to everyone at @stal_tops for their support over the years. She was an exceptional mare that brought amazing success to many riders over the years. Rest in peace, Pialotta."