It was a fairy tale ending for the Longines Global Champions Tour of Miami Beach in Florida as last-to-go Katrin Eckermann stopped the clock a second faster than Shane Sweetnam to triumph in the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Miami Beach. Riding the 9-year-old Cala Mandia, the pair risked it to the last at a flat out gallop and the German rider punched the air while the whole of Miami Beach erupted in cheers.

Katrin is the second female winner of the LGCT Miami Beach Grand Prix and speaking after her victory she said, “Well, I have no words, it has been a long journey. I have had her since she was six years old and it’s her first LGCT. I’m really proud, she jumped amazing. I’m overwhelmed.”

She then explained, “She’s nine years old and it was her first five-star Grand Prix and she jumped amazing. I don’t have pressure on my horses as they are so young and I just enjoy being on the team and hopefully we will have a great season. I had a great start.”

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