Christian Kukuk finishes third at Riesenbeck Global Champions Tour event

Olympic show‑jumping champion Christian Kukuk, who was not selected for the German World Championship quartet and criticised national coach Otto Becker, rode cleanly at the only German stop of the Global Champions Tour in Riesenbeck. Competing on his horse Checker, Kukuk posted two fault‑free rounds and secured third place, finishing behind Victor Bettendorf of Luxembourg and fellow German Daniel Deußer. Kukuk and Checker will travel to the upcoming World Championships in Aachen as a reserve pair. The Riesenbeck competition is the ninth leg of the 15‑stage "Million Series", which offers the sport’s highest prize money.