Horseriding is no longer just a hobby. It's about money and prestige. Showjumping riders sweat blood so that they can show up on the back of their horse to the world. Global Champions Prague PlayOffs is a unique sporting event where the best show jumping riders and horses in the world are presented in Prague. The capital of the Czech Republic thus becomes one of the exclusive destinations participating in the prestigious series Longines Global Champions Tour and Global Champions League. Unfortunately, the star of this sport, Anna Kellner, must support her colleagues from afar.
In May, the daughter of the richest Czech Petr Kellner broke her femur in Madrid and is still not fit. Even though the young parkourist does not despair, it is obvious that she is very sorry that she can support her Prague Lions team in the grandstand only. Her health state doesn't really allow her to sit in the saddle.
She doesn’t risk her health
“I am able to sit on a horse for an hour a few times a week, even though I don't jump at all. I haven't tried it since the moment we decided it wasn't possible at all. I don't want to worsen my health. I hope it will be on the right track and perhaps sometime in the middle of December I could jump with a horse twice a week,”
Pronájem luxusního bytu, Praha 2 Vyšehrad, Praha 2
Show property
Kellnerová told journalists and admits that there is nothing worse for athletes. Santa Claus will hopefully give her health for next year.
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Anna Kellnerová nemůže soutěžit. Source: David Horváth, Stefano Grasso
Progress
Nevertheless, Anna kept her fingers crossed because her team advanced to the Friday's semifinals of the Super Cup team at the Prague Playoffs 2019 show. The Lions have corrected their last year’s quarter-final failure. The race was launched by Niels Bruynseels, who was flawless in the saddle of Gancie de Muze. He highly praised the support of the audience.
"It's always nice if you feel the audience is behind you, I'd like to thank everyone,"
said the rider.
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Niel Bruynseels na Gancii de Muze. Source: Kateřina Návodová
Anna was nervous for her colleagues, as if racing herself.
"Those were terrible nerves, but I'm really glad that the boys did it and we did it."
The Friday semifinal, in which all teams start from scratch, will start at the O2 arena at 8pm. However, the program of accompanying competitions and shows takes place all day.
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Doprovodný program je dechberoucí. Source: David Horváth, Stefano Grasso
