Great Britain's very own European gold medallist Laura Bechtolsheimer has added another victory and winner's ribbon to her ever-increasing tally, with a 70.94% win in the Grand Prix at the 2011 British Dressage Championship at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire, on Saturday 17 September 2011. The 25 year old world number two won with 70.94% aboard her parent’s 16 year old gelding Andretti H (by Aarking)
“I was really pleased with Andy today,” said a delighted Laura. “His trot work and half pass passes were good and his changes safe. He was a bit against my leg in one of the pirouettes but other than it felt easy.”
Although he is second string to Laura’s gold medal partner Mistral Hojris, he is now ranked 17th in the FEI rankings. “He is a top horse in his own right and is a great horse to have,” said Laura, who has ridden him for the past four years. “He was complicated when I first had him but is like a toy now - we know each other really well. He’s so straightforward now that yesterday our preparation was a gallop round the sand track!”
“He has a lot character and at home he’s very competitive with Alf [Mistral Hojris]. They squabble out hacking but they do love each other - they’re like brothers. In the stable he’s funny too - we have to put Tobasco sauce on his bandages to stop him chewing them off! ”
Laura and Andretti will now contest tomorrow’s Grand Prix Freestyle which, combined with the results of today’s grand prix, will determine the British National Dressage Champion 2011.
Eilberg In Front in the Intermediaire I Freestyle Championship
Brother, sister duo Maria and Michael Eilberg went head to head today to claim the Intermediaire I Supreme Champion title. Twenty-seven year old Maria rode Lynne Crowden’s nine-year-old stallion Woodlander Rockstar to win the Intermediate I Freestyle in great style with 73.05%.
Maria and Rockstar, performed to one of the world’s top pop stars – Madonna. “Today was the best ride I’ve had on him and I’m really chuffed. He was really with me which was wonderful as sometimes he can make me work! He has such a wonderful temperament.” said Maria.
When asked how it felt to finally beat brother Michael she responded; “Great – what a huge ego boost! I never mind who wins as with us it’s a real team effort but it is nice really.”
He may have lost out on the Dressage Horse International Intermediate I Freestyle title but Micheal Eilberg’s overall percentage claimed the Supreme Championship with his father’s Torino. He finished second yesterday in the Intermediate I with this horse, winning on Half Moon Delphi but he elected not to ride her today. With a combined score of 141.42%, he edged the overall title from his sister by just 0.16%.
“He really deserves this title as he’s done a lot for me as he’s the horse I started doing dressage on. He’s such a reliable chap and always goes out to please. Yesterday he was a bit nervous which is unlike him so I chose to ride in a snaffle as he can be a bit ‘fiddly’ in the double so I knew I could attack a bit more,” said Michael.
The test didn’t have the best beginning when Michael raised his arm and no music played! “I was a bit confused but then had a smile to myself as mum was so proud of herself for burning the cd but obviously it hadn’t worked! Luckily we had a back-up,” said Michael. When it did begin, Michael’s music was a hit with the crowd. “I wanted something chirpy and active, just like the horse and Paolo Nutini’s music suits him and brings out his best bits,” Michael commented.
Torino was a fitting winner of this small tour championship as the successful equine search agency found him as a youngster. Michael clearly has a soft spot for the Corland-sired gelding; “He’s the nicest horse anyone could ever have. He performs but is simple. No quirks, no bad points. All the guys at the yard love him. I ride a few mares who have their quirks so it’s great to get on him and it be straightforward. And still has the power and quality to be a top dressage horse.”
Michael and Maria will go head to head again tomorrow (18 September) in the Grand Prix Freestyle.
Source: British Dressage
Related Links
Scores 2011 British Dressage Championships
Eilberg Back In Front on Day Two of 2011 British Championships
Hester and Eilberg Win on Day One of 2011 British Championships