Beerbaum gives Ratina free rein

Equestrianism

Germany's Ludger Beerbaum had the final word in the Grand Prix on the closing day of the Nations Cup Show here, defeating Austria's Hugo Simon and Britain's Michael Whitaker.

Five horses had achieved double clear rounds to contest the jump-off, in which Whitaker threw down an early challenge when he flew round clear on Twostep. John Whitaker thought that performance was good enough to give his brother victory, but first Simon, then Beerbaum on Ratina went faster.

"Ratina deserved to win," Beerbaum said. "She's one of the best horses in the world."

Results, Digest, page 23