Lauren Hough & Ohlala (Stefano Grasso/Longines GCT)
Lauren Hough, representing the USA, went early on the 1.50 Massimo Dutti Prix aboard the slight but very fast, Ohlala. A horse Lauren had great success with this winter in Florida, this combination took no one by surprise with their early lead. "She's a very fast horse but we went early on so it was a long wait" said Laura but it certainly was worth the long wait.
Despite plenty of fast combinations left to the end of the class, such as Laura Kraut and Jubilee d'Ouilly, Laura Renwick and Oz de Breve as well as Maikel van der Vleuten and VDL Groep Eureka, Lauren was able to keep hold of her early lead through a total of 49 horse-and-rider combinations.
"She's a great horse, I'm very lucky to have her" said Laura after the awards ceremony.
There was a special moment at the prize giving, as Laura entered the ring, the speakers played "Born in the USA" by none other then Bruce Springsteen. Lauren smiled humbly as her friends, Nick Skelton, Laura Kraut and Jessica Springsteen, joined by Patty and Bruce Springsteen, clapped with enthusiasm for her wonderful win.