French equestrian magazine Grand Prix Replay caused some commotion when it reported on the official 2018 World Cup Finals introductory press conference and stated that Werth said she was still in doubt whether to bring her number one Weihegold to Paris or Emilio instead.
According to French magazine, Werth clearly mentioned a dilemma between the two as Emilio showed great form at the last World Cup qualifier in Den Bosch.
However, to German magazine St. Georg the world number one confirmed today that she will definitely be taking Weihegold (by Don Schufro x Sandro Hit) to Paris to defend her World Cup title.
"I truly was in a dilemma. On the one hand 'Weihe' is the title defender, on the other hand Emilio would have got the chance to prove himself at this Indoor Championship. Both horses are in top form and that's what I also said in Paris," Werth commented.
Her biggest rival in Paris will be American Laura Graves on Verdades. She is the only rider to have beaten the top duo at the 2017 CDIO Aachen, since Werth began a winning streak on Christine Arns-Krogman's black mare.
After the Finals in Paris, Werth will head to the 2018 CDI Hagen with Emilio. Weihegold will get a short "baby break" as the owner wants to flush an embryo from the mare.
"We did the same last year," Werth added. That ET foal was born yesterday, a colt by Vitalis out of surrogate mare Cancara.
Related Link
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2017-2018 World Cup Finals and Qualifiers