Edwina Tops-Alexander to retire top horse

Edwina Tops-Alexander has announced Cevo Itot du Chateau, her “once-in-a-lifetime horse”, will be retired in July.

Athletic ability

The 18-year-old chestnut gelding captured the hearts of equestrian fans around the world due to his incredible athletic ability, despite standing at just 15.2hh.

Itot was bought by Edwina’s husband Jan Tops, president of the Longines Global Champions Tour, in 2007. The pair performed at the top level for six years, accumulating earnings of over €3 million in prize money.

They made history when the won the Global Champions Tour series in 2011 and 2012. They also competed in two Olympic Games and the World Equestrian Games in 2010.

Rare animal

“From day one I always had a very positive feeling with Itot, but I never would have believed we would have so much success together,” said Edwina. “He is a rare animal with amazing qualities of stamina and agility, and a horse who never gives up.

“He has all the ingredients of a special athlete. I have been extremely fortunate to have a horse like that, and the right training and management from Jan gave us the opportunities to go so far.”

Hit by a truck

When the gelding was three, he was hit by a truck when he jumped out of his field in France. He looked like he might not make it, and he still bears the scars today. But he went on to become one of the most successful showjumpers in the world.

“There are only a very few times in a career in equestrian sport that you will see a horse like Itot,” Jan Tops said. “Two of the most successful years of his life were when he was 15 and 16 years old.”

Itot will be officially retired in a ceremony at the Global Champions Tour event in Paris on Sunday 6 July, after the Gucci Gold Cup.