Dujardin and Kismet Open 2023 CDIO Aachen with Prix St Georges Win

Former Olympic champion Charlotte Dujardin thrilled the crowds on the first day of competition at the 2023 CDIO Aachen on 28 July 2023 by winning the opening class, the Prix St Georges. Aboard the Dutch warmblood bred Kismet she topped the leader board and left all competition far behind her.

A Packed Aachen on Day One

The 2023 edition of the CHIO Aachen started with a bang. Although overcast, the day brought mild summer temperatures in the low twenties which drew out a larger than usual crowd for a Wednesday and first day of competition.

The warm-up arenas were surrounded by spectators eager to catch a glimpse of the biggest names in dressage and the stadium was maybe 1/3 to half full, which created plenty of atmosphere for the afternoon dressage class. 

For the press, it is always a touch and go situation to see in which "mood" the volunteers and ring supervisors are. Year after year new rules are in play where photographers can sit and stand and there is absolutely no system to this madness. While last year it was extremely pleasant to work there as a photographer, as we were allowed to sit in empty seats and only had to move when a ticket holder showed up. This year, we were back to being caged animals only allowed to breathe and work in designated areas while plenty of seats remained empty at which we looked with drooling mouths as they were the better spots to capture the best pictures. 

You never know which lunar phase brings out this strict labour camp mentality every other year. Some years it's good, some years it's bad. At least this time we got a "no, you can't be here," delivered with a smile instead of a snarl. Oh well.  The young volunteers were friendly and only delivering an inexplicable message from "above."

Kismet Destined for Greatness

Charlotte Dujardin returned to Aachen for the first time since 2019, when she last rode Sonnar Murray-Brown's now disappeared Trakehner gelding Erlentanz into the Deutsche Bank stadium. Aboard Peter Belshaw's 8-year old KWPN bred Kismet (by Ampere x Lord Leatherdale) she dominated the Prix St Georges. 

The elegant, long legged bay mare produced very established trot work, showcasing much balance in the traversal movements. The rhythm was always regular and smooth and the strides ground covering. The walk pirouettes were small, in the extended walk she could have covered more ground, but showed great ability to collect in the canter half pirouettes. The flying changes were nice, but the hindquarters were often crooked to the right. Overall the frame and throat latch could open a bit more in the canter work, with especially the nose coming out more in the extended canter, but it was fabulous test showing great promise for the future. 

The judges' panel, consisting of Ulrike Nivelle, Frederico Pinteus, Raphaël Saleh, Gabriela Valeriánová, and Maria Colliander, rewarded the ride with a personal best of 77.588%. The low score was 76.618%, the high score 79.412%. 

"I've had her since she just turned five. So, we have known each other for a long time and have been on the same path so far," Dujardin commented. "That's why our bond is very strong. She can be a bit of a moody mare at home. But she has a lot of trust in me, that she does everything for me. I take her by the hand and she says, 'Okay, let's do it'."

Dujardin added, "she is very, very elastic, elegant, light-footed, a real ballerina. I really hope she stays healthy. I think she can be an Olympic horse."

In Her Wake

Following quite far in her wake was German A-squad rider Frederic Wandres on the 11-year old Hanoverian Quizmaster (by Quasar de Charry x Velten Third) with 73.883%. The pair showed much experience and routine at this level and the bay gelding produced a highlight extended walk. The trot was smooth although the horse extended on three tracks with the hindquarters to the left. 

Third place went to 2022 Nurnberg Burgpokal winners Andrina Suter and Robert Lualdi's 8-year old Westfalian Briatore (by Belissimo Mx Dresemann). The tall bright bay gelding impressed with his powerful extensions and big tempi changes. They posted 72.794%. 

Text and Photos © Astrid Appels - NO Reproduction ALLOWED / NO SCREEN SHOTS !!!!
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Related Link
Scores: 2023 CDIO Aachen