Source:  GCT News Release

Reed Kessler Heads to London with GCT Win in Chantilly

Chantilly, France - The youngest rider to be selected for the 2012 Olympic Games clocked up a victory at the 5* GCT in Chantilly Sunday.

Reed Kessler, only 18 years old, rode a stylish, fast clear on 57.71 in the early morning Prix Vicomte Arthur over 1m45 fences beating experienced show jumping stars, including fellow American Mclain Ward.

(Sportfot/GCT)

After the win on her horse Ligist - she will be riding Cylana at the London Olympics - Reed said: “It is my last show before I go to the Olympics so it is a great feeling to win here. It has been a dream. It has been without a doubt the best year of my life.”

Speaking about her forthcoming Olympic debut she said: “Our team has done really well here, Beezie Madden and Mclain Ward. I feel it is an amazing team of riders and horses. It is a lot of pressure to prove I deserve my slot. It has been a long trial process since about March. But I ride better when under pressure and there is no room for any mistakes. I have been riding my whole life. I started doing FEI  when when I was old enough and this is my first year that I am allowed to do these classes. It has been a long time waiting for this year to be finally old enough.”

Reed, who is now based in Lexington, Kentucky, praised her team including her parents. Her father is a CEO in America and she added: “My mother looks after me and that is a full time job.”

In the class Jessica Kurten of Ireland was a close second on 57.87 and talented Syrian rider Ahmad Saber Hamcho was third on 60.03. Great Britain’s Nick Skelton rode his Olympic horse Big Star in the class as a final preparation for the Games. Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum - who will now join the German Olympic squad instead of Philipp Weishaupt whose horse is not fit - rode Bella Donna in her last preparation before the London Games.

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