Easter success for Robert Smith
Robert Smith enjoyed a successful show in Gothenburg over Easter, beating a world-class field to take home the Goteborg Trophy on Saturday.
Smith rode his own 12-year-old grey gelding Kalusha to victory, jumping a double clear to defeat Brazilian rider Rodrigo Pessoa and Baloubet du Rouet by just 0.15 seconds. Top German riders Ludger Beerbaum and Marcus Ehning finished close behind in third and fourth respectively.
It was a good weekend for British riders in Gothenburg. Michael Whitaker won the opening class of the show with Portofino 63 and Friday’s knock-out competition with First Samuel. Robert Smith finished in second place with Kalusha in a speed class, and John Whitaker took second and third places on Lactic Two in Friday’s speed competitions.
Robert, who is based in Warwickshire, has re-confirmed his prowess in the arena after being knocked off the top of the BSJA rankings, which he had occupied for nearly a year, by Michael Whitaker last month. He will be heading to Sheffield later this week to attempt to steal the British Open Crown from defending champion Robert Whitaker.
Goteborg Trophy results
1, Kalusha (Robert Smith) GBR;
2, Baloubet du Rouet (Rodrigo Pessoa) BRA;
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3, Gladdy S (Ludger Beerbaum) GER;
4, Sandro Boy (Marcus Ehning) GER;
5, HL Abrisca (P L Aufrecht) GER;
6, Lanthanid (T Lund) DEN;
7, Columbus H (L Heed) SWE;
8, Lord Z (John Whitaker) GBR.
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