On the first day of the 2010 British Dressage Championships at Stoneleigh Park, Charlotte Du Jardin riding Roly Luard and Carl Hester's Valegro wowed the crowd with a stunning performance in the Prix St. Georges Championship. The pair clinched the 2010 title with 72.05%, the highest score of the day, beating 29 other competitors in their class.
The Dutch gelding by Negro hasn’t competed since the Sunshine Tour in Spain earlier this year. After recently having three weeks off, Charlotte said of 8 year old, ‘he was hot in the test and excited to be back! There is always something about the nationals that gives them an edge. We are now working towards grand prix for next year.’
The Brits are eager to distribute national titles as each dressage class has a champion, whereas most dressage nations tally points towards a championships that runs over a few tests at the same level.
Professional dressage rider and trainer Nikki Crisp from Bayswater in London rode to victory to take the first national championship win of her career with 67.53%. The 32 year old headed the Intermediare II class with her own 13 year old bright bay mare Pasoa.
Nikki has trained the horse up through the levels herself and is also on the World Class Development Programme for London 2012 Olympians. She commented:
"I train with Erik Theilgaard and have also been going to Imke Schellekens-Bartels through the World Class programme. Pasoa has been a difficult mare but going to Imke has been a breakthrough. I’m so thrilled to win here day and their support has been invaluable."
Nikki and Pasoa will also contest the grand prix class on Saturday which will put them in with a shout of claiming the coveted title of British Champion.
View Scores at: www.bdchampionships.com
Source: BD
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