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Spain's Beatriz Ferrer-Salat and Beavalais put on a sparkling
performance to win Olympia's inaugural FEI World Cup Dressage Qualifier.
Last to go, the Spanish combination showed how Olympic team silver and
individual bronze were won with their technically difficult and superbly
choreographed freestyle to music. "Beauvalais was looking around a bit
tonight but not as much as in the grand prix. It was a great atmosphere
- but difficult for the concentration - with fabulous spectators and the
best surface in Europe", said Ferrer-Salat.
As British rider Carl Hester assumed the lead earlier on 77.175 the
audience raised the roof in appreciation. While he and Escapado put on
their best performances yet - gaining the runner-up slot in both the
Grand Prix and Freestyle, there is so much more to come for the 11-year
old half thoroughbred gelding who has grown in confidence since opening
his FEI World Cup account just last weekend with fourth place in
Maastricht. "This was my best ride ever and I can only be delighted",
said the Gloucestershire-based rider who was best Briton in the dressage
event in Athens. " Escapado has matured so much since the Olympics, and
while I thought I would try the World Cup and see, now I am definitely
out to play the game and get to Las Vegas for the Final."
Third place with Wahajama-UNICEF ensured Germany's Ann Kathrin
Linsenhoff keeps the lead in the Western European League standings on a
massive 65 points. All Linsenhoff's horses carry the UNICEF suffix and
their prize money has helped over 70,000 children in crisis-torn areas
receive aid and education. She said: " Wahajama loved performing here -
she listens to the music and is such a diva, I love riding her." Judge at C, Britian's Stephen Clarke, commented: " Congratulations to
the winners who produced such high quality performances. The audience
(of over 6000) appreciated them and I could feel the atmosphere while
judging. It was a wonderful class to judge."
The Olympia organisation hopes the FEI World Cup Dressage will return
next year. FEI Dressage Committee chairman Mariette Withages was
impressed. She said: " Congratulations to Olympia for organising such a
successful World Cup qualifier. At last the World Cup has returned to
England, but to have the event as well organised as this was very
special. I certainly would award '10's' to this show!".
Results
FEI World Cup Dressage Freestyle to Music Qualifier
Supported by The Berkeley Group and Horse and Hound
1, Beauvalais (Beatriz Ferrer-Salat ESP) 79.57
2, Escapado (Carl Hester GBR) 77.17
3, Wahajama UNICEF (Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff GER) 76.70
4, Ballaseyr Royale (Richard Davison GBR) 73.97
5, Amando (Gina Capellmann-Luetkemeier GER) 73.55
6, Ludewig G (Lone Jorgensen DEN) 73.25
7, Albano (Heike Kemmer GER) 73.05
8, Gambrinus (Peter Storr GBR) 71.25
9, Lorenzo (Wayne Channon GBR) 70.85
10, Ratino H (Martina Hannover - Sternberg GER) 70.10
For further information
www.olympiahorseshow.com
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