All Smiles for Rolf and Edwina Before they go into Combat

Rolf-Göran Bengtsson and Edwina Tops-Alexander are all smiles before tomorrow’s big showdown in the Global Champions Tour Final of 2012. They are the only two riders who can win the GCT series Championship this year and will go into close combat tomorrow evening. The pair showed they are good friends as they posed in the jumping arena in Abu Dhabi that will be the stage for the championship decider.

The extraordinary climax to the GCT series has set up a dramatic fight to the finish for the two riders, in one of the only sports where men and women compete on an equal level.

After 11 legs around the world they are both equal on 196 points - but Edwina has an advantage due to her 40-point win in Doha, Qatar, in the opening event.

Edwina, 38, (AUS) will be riding her champion chestnut gelding Cevo Itot du Château, the hugely talented 15.55 hands horse that has helped her win last year’s GCT Championship and put her in contention for the crown for a second time.

Rolf, 50, (SWE) will be competing on his 13-year-old bay stallion Casall La Silla, the high calibre horse that has taken him to 2nd place on three GCT podiums so far this season alone.

Speaking during the early classes in Abu Dhabi yesterday, both riders said their horses feel fresh and ready for the Final. You can watch the Global Champions Tour Gucci Grand Prix via the GCT livestreaming service onwww.globalchampionstour.com starting at 1830 GST (Gulf Standard Time).

Quick Links

• Read more at Global Champions Tour website
• Enter the competition to win a signed copy of Edwina's book