Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale set the Excel exhibition center alight on day two of London International Horse Show as they took victory in the Dressage World Cup™ Freestyle to Music.
British Olympic bronze medal winner Fry set the record straight after placing "only" third in the Grand Prix following failed pirouettes. This left space for Olympic team mate Becky Moody to secure her first major international victory aboard the home bred Jagerbomb.
Glitz and Glamour
The pinnacle event of Thursday’s schedule on 19 December 2024 came from the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Freestyle to Music. The competition captivated the passionate sell-out crowd, who were impressed by the musicality and harmony of the 14 partnerships contesting the prestigious competition.
Charlotte Fry and the 11-year-old KWPN stallion Glamourdale (by Lord Leatherdale x Negro) performed their test to her signature music 'Best of Britain' hits, setting the International Arena alight. Their performance earned a standing ovation from the home crowd and a score of 86.645%, enabling them to repeat their victory from 2022. The test was not entirely fault-free with some tension in the walk and an issue in the two-tempi changes, but the pair brought a ton of energy and flair to the floor and topped the board once again.
An emotional Fry exclaimed: “The feeling that I had in the arena tonight was something that I have never felt before. He was absolutely amazing and on fire! I am so thankful to be able to produce a test like this in London in front of this incredible crowd. I can’t thank the public enough for your support, not only tonight but this year. In the run up to Paris and also in Paris we could feel all of your support. It makes me a little emotional to come back to England and to be able to ride in front of this crowd is truly an honour.”
Freese on Fire
“This exceeds all my expectations,” said an emotional Freese after the ride. “I am so proud. It has always been a dream to compete here. I’ve just been eight weeks out of the saddle after a surgery, which made this result even more special. My groom took exceptional care of Total Hope, and perhaps the break was beneficial for both of us. He is in fantastic form.”
Meanwhile, World No. 4 Dinja van Liere improved on her performance from the World Cup™ Qualifier in Lyon to secure third place with 80.225 %. She did not bring her number one, Hermes, to London but saddled Jan Pieter Dalsem's 12-year old KWPN gelding Hartsuijker (by Johnson x Scandic).
“He felt amazing, though he was a bit tense during the warm-up due to the noise. But once we entered the arena, he settled and gave me a wonderful ride,” she reflected.
Beatles Premier
Their Beatles kur is very uptown and strung one song after another, given their freestyle a musically very "packed" feeling. They were fourth with 80.160%.
Four pairs scored 80% marks in London.
The next FEI Dressage World Cup™ qualifier takes place in Mechelen, Belgium, on 28-29 December. So don’t miss a hoofbeat…
Related Links
Scores: 2024 CDI-W London
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2024-2025 World Cup Qualifiers and Finals