Maria Caetano Wins "Copa Del Rey" at 2022 CDI Madrid

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2022 CDI Madrid

In front of Spanish eyes, Portuguese Maria Caetano swept the board at the 2022 CDI Madrid and captured the "Copa Del Rey" as the highest scoring big tour rider of the show over two rounds.

The 2022 CDI Madrid took place at the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid on 21 - 23 October 2022.

Copa Del Rey

Sixteen Grand Prix combinations from three nations lined up for the Grand Prix test which was judged by Santos, Max-Theurer, Roudier, Riexinger, and Ringmark. Portuguese Olympian Maria Caetano and her 10-year old Portuguese sport horse bred Hit Plus (by Bretton Woods x Peralta Pinha) were on outstanding form and topped the board with 71.195%. They left Spanish team routiniers Juan Antonio Jimenez Cbo and the 13-year old Lusitano Euclides MOR (by Riopele x Gingao) behind them on 70.783%.

Nine combinations decided to ride the Grand Prix Special, while the top scoring pairs of the Grand Prix moved on to Sunday's Freestyle class. Caetano upped the ante and posted another winning score with Hit Plus, taking the freestyle with 76.475%. They had Jimenez back on their heels with 74.805%.

Caetano's total over two rounds was 147.670 points, ahead of Jimenez with 145.588 points and Spanish World Championship team rider Teia Hernandez Vila on PRE Romero de Trujillo (by Enganoso VI x Cantaor) in third place for the "King's Cup" on 141.297 points.

"Hit gave me an amazing feeling," Caetano told Eurodressage. "He is just a champion when he gets in the ring. Even though he is young and a bit green in this big level, he always tries to please me and do a test without mistakes showing all his power! Still some points to improve in the future, what gives me a big hope for the coming season!"

Come Back on High Form

Maria Caetano rode her second, more experienced Grand Prix horse Fenix de Tineo at the 2022 World Dressage Championships in Herning this summer, while Hit Plus stayed at home in Portugal to prepare for the National Championships. Standing firmly in second place for silver after two rounds, Hit Plus had to be withdrawn for the freestyle as he showed some mild colic signs.

"At the Portuguese Championships he was in top form," said Marie. "Unfortunately, due to the unexpected hot and humid weather he developed colic symptoms, and for precaution I decided to withdraw him. But, thank God it was nothing serious, so in few days he went back to work and we could come to Madrid and give our best."

At the 2022 CDI Madrid, Maria and Hit Plus scored two personal best marks.

Looking Ahead

Like any ambitious rider, Maria is also looking ahead at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games which are looming on the horizon.

This winter she will compete at the CDI-W Stuttgart in November and then will lay the pieces of the puzzle for next year's competition plan.

"Now we are driving up to Germany to compete in Stuttgart," she said/ "Then we are planning to compete next year abroad to try to qualify to next European Championships, which are so important for the Olympic team qualification."

Maria has three Grand Prix horses in the mix: her Olympic ride Fenix de Tineo, the rising star Hit Plus, and the up coming Grand prix horse Happy Plus (by Bretton Woods x Rubin Royal). In addition, 7-year old Lusitano stallion Lampiao das Faias (by Escorial x Nuxeque) and 12-year old Lusitano mare Gaupa R (by Átila x Nabuco) show promise for the highest level.