FIGHTING through to the third round jump-off in the gruelling Global Champions Tour Grand Prix at Cannes, France tonight (Saturday) Ireland's Jessica Kurten disappointingly took out the very last fence for four faults, but finished in third place of 43 starters.

Kurten and Lady Georgina Forbes's renowned mare 'Castle Forbes Libertina' seemed certain of victory when third of five jumping in a final round that had so far yielded no zero scores, but their very fast gallop to the last fence resulted in both poles and hopes tumbling to the ground.

With the first four riders in the jump-off all having collected faults, last-to-go Edwina Alexander only had to complete the course without touching a fence and rode it at a leisurely pace to take the trophy for Australia with the French-bred 'Cevo Itot du Chateau'.

Second place went to France's European Champion Kevin Staut and 'Le Prestige St Lois', recording four faults like Kurten, but crossing the line just half a second faster.

The Irish rider nevertheless picked up 38,000 euro in prize money for her place, while the winner took home an even more substantial 95,000 euro.
 

Jessica Kurten