Germany’s Isabell Werth started off well at the 2016 CDI Geneva on Friday 9 December 2016. International dressage competition returned to Geneva at the Palexpo exhibition centre after a 15-year break and the event immediately drew out the big stars. Olympic silver medalist Isabell Werth won the Grand Prix on Emilio.
Werth scored 77.580% on her 10-year-old Westfalian gelding Emilio (by Ehrenpreis x Cacir AA), who is out of the same dam as her team gold medal winning ride Bella Rose at the 2014 World Equestrian Games. The judges unanimously placed Isabell in first place. Germany's Gotthielf Riexinger, president of the jury, awarded her test with the highest score of 80.200%. The low score of 74.900 % came from Danish O-judge Leif Tornblad.
Isabell was very satisfied after her test: “It’s great to be back again here after 20 years. I especially can remember one time when I won here with Amaretto. Everything is nice in Geneva, all is in one big space, it’s not easy for the horses but it is a great challenge. And today Emilio was really calm and relaxed. He did a good job.”
Spain’s Olympic and European bronze medallist Beatriz Ferrer-Salat took second place on her second Grand Prix horse Sir Radjah, an 11-year old Westfalian gelding by Sir Donnerhall x Radjah Z. The pair received 73.220% from the judges panel which consisted of Alain Francqueville (FRA), Maja stukelj (CZE), Gotthilf Riexinger (GER), Isabelle Judet (FRA) and Leif Törnblad (DEN).
Switzerland’s Marcela Krinke-Susmelj finished in third place with 72.760%. The rider, who was born in Czechoslovakia, but now lives in Lucerne rode her 15-year-old Danish warmblood gelding Smeyers Molberg (by Michellino x Rambo).
Thirteen riders competed in the Grand Prix. On Saturday 10 December the Special as well as the freestyle will take place.
Related Links
Scores 2016 CDI Geneva
Germany's Elite To Compete at 2016 CDI Geneva
2016 CHI Geneva Adds Dressage to Its Program