Edwina Tops-Alexander on the verge of GCT glory

Written by Jerome Fandor Saturday, 26 November 2011 05:37

Australian Edwina Tops-Alexander is feeling the pressure of overwhelming favouritism to win the world's richest equestrian contest this weekend when the Global Champions Tour heads to Abu Dhabi.

Barring a major disaster, Tops-Alexander will pocket $412,500 as the overall winner of the 2011 GCT series.

Entering the last round, the 34-year-old can only be caught by one challenger, the great Ludger Beerbaum.

"Of course I feel a little pressure," Tops-Alexander said. ''But I'm very far ahead with the points so it all depends on what Ludger and I do.

"It's not over yet and I am just trying to focus on the competition alone."

Tops-Alexander has already earned $668,650 on the tour this year. A victory in Abu Dhabi would clinch another massive pay day and confirm her as one of the favourites for next year's Olympics.

"It would mean a lot to win because it's a fair competition," she said.

"It's really about consistency, which I think is the best way to prove a champion."

Tops-Alexander will ride Cevo Itot du Chateau. "So far he feels great … he is fresh, which is a good sign," she said.

To read the full article in The Age, please click here: