Alexander extends her lead

Australia’s Edwina Alexander (NSWIS) has extended her lead in the world’s richest jumping competition, the Global Champions Tour, after a second place finish in Rio de Janeiro yesterday. 
 
Only Gerco Schröder (NED) riding Eurocommerce London and Brazil’s Rodrigo Pessoa aboard Let’s Fly enjoyed faultless first rounds in Rio de Janeiro CSI5-star event. Qatar’s Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al Thani riding Adolfo FRH was next best with one fault. Alexander and Cevo Itot du Chateau knocked one rail down to be sitting on four faults.
 
The second round saw Alexander jump clear and clock the fastest time.  A second clear round from Schröder secured his victory and winner’s cheque, with Alexander taking second place and third to Philipp Weishaupt.
 
“I am thrilled,” said Alexander, “I really wanted to put in a good performance and get as many points as I could. This puts me in a great position for Abu Dhabi.”
 
Australia’s Jumping National Performance Director, Stephen Lamb, acknowledges that Alexander’s performance is looking strong ahead of next year’s Olympic Games.
 
“Edwina’s performances at five star shows this year have been outstanding. She won Cannes and Chantilly and now her second place in Rio further demonstrates that she is at the top of the sport,” said Lamb.
 
After ten shows in eight different countries only the last leg of the 2011 Global Champions Tour series remains. The world’s best jumping horses and riders will meet for the final time in Abu Dhabi from 24-26 November at the magnificent Al Forsan International Sports Resort.
 
With 238.00 points Alexander is now 19.5 points ahead of Ludger Beerbaum on the series leader board. Brazil’s Alvaro de Miranda is currently third on 194.00. Competition will be fierce in Abu Dhabi as the top order could shuffle considerably. A win is worth 40 points, 37 for second place, 35 points for third and 32 points are earned for fourth place.