Danish long-time team anchor Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein has brought her semi-retired top horse Digby, a 17-year old home bred Danish warmblood gelding, back to top form to claim the Grand Prix at the 2014 CDI Doha on Friday 14 March 2014. Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein scored 75.740% to complete a Scandinavian top three.
Twenty-two riders from 11 countries got a fully financed trip to Doha, Qatar, to compete at the Al Shaqab equestrian centre from 14 - 16 March 2014.
Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, who retired Digby (by Donnerhall x Sandro) from being a Danish team horse at the 2013 European Championships in August, last competed her sympathetic dark bay at the World Cup qualifier in London in December 2013. She returned to Qatar with Digby after sweeping the board there last year at the inaugural CDI.
“I said I would retire him from the team but not entirely. I wanted to take some stress off him. I wanted him to have fun with no pressure and that’s why we are here," Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein explained. By winning the Grand Prix, Princess Nathalie bagged a purse of 10,000 euro.
“He is really fit and I keep him fit at home. I know him so well and he’s so smart. I think that’s one of his best performances," said Nathalie about her winning ride.
Countrymate Lone Bang Larsen finished second on Fitou L (by Florestan) with 74.420%, while Swedish Patrik Kittel ranked third aboard the Oatley family's Swedish warmblood Toy Story (by Come Back II). The duo posted a score of 73.460%
Photo © Libby Law photography
Related Links
Scores 2014 CDI Doha
Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein Takes Two at the 2013 CDI Doha