Laura Kraut & Cedric on their way to winning the Grand Prix of Wiesbaden CSI5* (Noelle Floyd/Global Champions Tour)

Wiesbaden, Germany - Three flawless rounds in front of a packed crowd in Germany have made American Laura Kraut the No.1 rider in the Global Champions Tour rankings. She now has 77 points, two more than second place rider Luciana Diniz of Portugal. A majority of the GCT season still remains, but Kraut has been impressive throughout the season thus far. Saturday was no exception. With Cherry Knoll Farm's Cedric Kraut, who finished 2nd in the GCT Opener Grand Prix in Madrid riding Jubilee d’Ouilly, was dynamic through three rounds on a grass course in the Grand Prix of Wiesbaden CSI5*.

Cedric's clear attempts in the first two rounds made him one of six horses to qualify for the jump-off. The penultimate pair, Kraut & Cedric cleared the course in a blazing 45.12s and bested formidable pairs Hans-Dieter Dreher & Magnus Romeo, who finished third, and runners up Edwina Tops-Alexander & Cevo Itot du Chateau.

For a full report of the action in Wisebaden visit www.globalchampionstour.com.

“I think it was a good second round course," Kraut said in the post class press-conference, "I had a lot of confidence. I didn’t feel I was that efficient in the jump off, but I think the mad gallop to the last fence. I was a bit lucky, it made the difference. I am very pleased. It is Cedric’s fourth win on the Global Tour and I am very proud of him. We have a long way to go, but I am just pleased to start off as strong as I have. I am excited about all the upcoming events, London in particular.”

When asked about narrowly beating Edwina she said: “I have two really nice horses, Cedric and Jubilee, and if I can keep them healthy, I will give her a run if I can.”