Isabell Werth is no longer leaving any doubt about it: Bella Rose will be her first choice for the 2018 World Equestrian Games. After also winning the Grand Prix Kur to Music at the 2018 CDI Cappeln, Werth is sure that the 14-year old chestnut mare is her new number one in the barn.
Werth shook her head in disbelief after the final halt and salute in her freestyle on Saturday 11 August 2018. She was beyond happy about the performance of her14-year-old Westfalian Bella Rose (by Belissimo M). She scored 87.000% for the victory.
“I am just so happy! Super happy!! Today was only Bella’s second freestyle ever and the first after her break of four years. A few pieces had been ‘borrowed’ from Emilio, but now Bella is taking back her position on the throne,” Isabell Werth said smiling from ear to ear. The judges share their infatuation with the mare as all of them placed her first. Judge Dietrich Plewa stated that “this mare is growing from show to show, is becoming much more relaxed and can show off more than her vast potential."
The Olympic winner, World and European Champion Isabell Werth does not leave a doubt when it comes to her preference considering which of her three potential horses she wants to present at the World Equestrian Games in Tyron/USA next month. “Of course the final decision is made by the dressage committee but I have already decided," she grinned.
The second place in the freestyle went to Lara Butler and her Rubin Royal OLD offspring, Rubin al Asad. The two are on the shortlist (76.50%) for the WEG team Great Britain. Marlies van Baalen and her Ben Johnson, who is a Grand Prix novice, secured the third place (75.20 %).
The Intermediaire A, the kickoff for the medium tour, was won by the Swede Patrik Kittel on his international debutant, Lyndal Oatley's 9-year-old KWPN mare Elvive. Austria’s Victoria Max Theurer made the second place with her young horse Benaglio (72.08 %).
A Dutch one-two happened in the St. Georges: Veronique Roerink and her Flanell received 73.73%. Right behind the pair at second place was Marlies van Baalen with the full-brother to Ben Johnson, Dion Johnson (72.82 %). Representing the Vorwerk stud, Yvonne Henke and San Francisco OLD took the third place (72.79 %) in the lap of honor.
Photo © Michael Rzepa
Related Links
Scores: 2018 CDI Cappeln
Werth and Kittel Win Grand Prix Classes at 2018 CDI Cappeln