Carl Hester can do no wrong…some would say he’s got the Midas touch! Riding Lady Ann Evans’ 12-year old Oldenburg Merlin Nemorensis (by Clintino x Larinero), he wowed the crowds to take the Intermediaire II Championship on a score of 68.95% including scoring nines for his pirouettes. It’s just the second time he’s partnered the stunning grey as he’s been ‘soooo busy’ but it’s clear this is a partnership waiting to blossom.
“He’s one of the best looking on my yard; a real statue of a horse,” said Carl. “I wanted to bring him here to see what he made of it and give him a good run and he’s proved today we’re on the road to grand prix. He’s nearly ready but when you progress from small tour to grand prix you need improved fitness, strength and power and that’s what we’re working on. He’s shown me he’s capable and today has been a stepping stone – he may now go to Biarritz at the end of October for his first grand prix.”
Just 0.63% behind Carl, was Gareth Hughes with Jane Brewin’s DV Stenkjers Nadonna – not a bad result for a horse that was never destined for a dressage career! Third went to Vicky Thompson-Winfield and O.E.C. Papillon with 67.37%.
Eilberg Takes Prix St Georges Championship
Redditch-based Michael Eilberg secured pole position in the Prix St Georges Championship. Riding his parents' and Lynne Crowden’s British bred Hanoverian mare Woodlander Dornröschen (by Dimaggio), Michael lead from start to finish and scooped the top spot just ahead of his sister Maria and Woodlander Rockstar on a score of 71.42%.
The nine year old bay mare by Dimaggio x Caprimond is the dam of Woodlander Farouche, the show stopping five year old with which Michael has enjoyed incredible international success this year in young horse classes.
Michael told British Dressage, “Today was one of the best tests she’s done – I say that a lot but she’s been on such great form recently. She’s had a good run and it’s pleasing to know she’s consolidated at this level. I came here last year and did the same classes and she fell apart. Now she’s solid – even dad was ‘super pleased’!”
Source: British Dressage
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Related Links
Scores 2011 British Dressage Championships
All Roads Lead to Stoneleigh for 2011 British Dressage Championships