Dream run for Chugg at FEI World Cup Jumping Final
Rio 2016 hopeful Chris Chugg has produced a solid performance against the world’s best at the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final in Goteborg over the Easter weekend, riding to a top 10 overall finish.
Partnering with Cristalline, a horse owned by Chugg’s partner Gabrielle Kuna, the 55 year old achieved promising results against a strong field boasting Olympic and World Champions.
A clear round on opening day set the tone for Chugg’s weekend and he continued to improve his tournament ranking with each outing. Leading into the final day Chugg was ranked 14th and he secured his top 10 finish with a strong final performance in which the 8 year old Cristalline showed maturity beyond her years to finish the day with just five penalties.
"The whole world has fallen in love with Stella (Cristalline) and we are so proud that she has represented Australia and ourselves in such a way. She is an unbelievable mare and we are so blessed to have her in our lives," said Chugg on his Facebook page.
"The aim was always to start and finish with a happy horse, and I think everyone can see that she just absolutely loved every second, and the proof is in her results.
"The last few days have been totally surreal and we just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who has wished us and Stella well."
Two-time Olympian Edwina Tops-Alexander and her mare Caretina de Joter also produced some strong jumping efforts over the three days of competition and the pair finished the competition in 21st position overall.
Photo: Chris Chugg and Cristalline, FEI/Arnd Bronkhorst
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