Robert Smith in top 10 final
Robert Smith will be the sole rider carrying British hopes in the third FEI Top 10 Final in Geneva on Saturday 6 December, after Michael Whitaker failed to hold on to his top 10 place from last month.
Robert will be competing against Markus Fuchs (pictured), Ludger Beerbaum, Marcus Ehning, Lars Nieberg, Jos Lansink, Otto Becker, Rodrigo Pessoa, Beezie Madden and Malin Baryard in the competition, which is only open to the best 10 riders of the FEI Gandini World Jumping Riders Rankings.
Ludger Beerbaum will be going for a hat-trick of victories in the event after taking the title on Goldfever in 2001 and Gladdys S in 2002. However, Markus Fuchs’s run of good form, which has taken him to the top of the rankings, looks set to continue and few would bet against him.
This year will see two female riders taking part in the Top Ten Final for the first time. America’s Beezie Madden-Patton and young Swedish rider Malin Baryard will both be aiming to prove that girl power can prevail against the world top male riders.
Michael Whitaker is one of three reserve riders who will take part if any of the top 10 are unable to attend. The other reserve riders are Peter Wylde and
Ludo Philippaerts.
For more information visit: www.concours-hippique.ch
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.