-- FEI press release edited by Eurodressage - Photos © Stefan Lafrentz
After finishing second in both 2024 and 2025, it was third time's a charm for Maria von Essen (SWE) in Gothenburg, as she claimed her first-ever FEI Dressage World Cup™ qualifier victory with Invoice, posting a new personal best of 82.645%, on Saturday 21 February 2026. She was closely followed by compatriot Patrik Kittel, who finished just 0.7% behind her with Touchdown, while Grand Prix winner Carina Cassøe Krüth (DEN) finished close behind in third place with Heiline’s Danciera.
The Scandinavium arena was well filled with spectators eager to support their home favourites, and they were rewarded with a Swedish one-two on home soil.
A Freestyle on fire
Von Essen and Invoice (by Jazz x Ferro) had already delivered a solid Grand Prix on Friday, although the gelding was still somewhat restrained. In the Freestyle, however, he showed his full potential, excelling in the most collected movements. Riding to Cathrine Dufour's loaner-freestyle Les Misérables for two years now, the music suited Invoice perfectly, with expressive piaffe and passage work and tempi changes executed precisely on the beat.
“Invoice was magical! He was magical! He was with me all the way, even though there was a huge crowd today. Also this music gives me goosebumps all the time. I almost had to cry,” said Von Essen.
Kittel close behind
Always a crowd favourite, especially on home soil, Patrik Kittel was the first of the top three combinations to enter the arena and delivered a strong Freestyle. Riding his 2024 World Cup™ winner Touchdown (by Quaterback x Sack), he scored 81.920%. The test was faultless and well matched to the music, although Touchdown could have shown more carrying power in the piaffe. After today, Kittel sits in second place in the World Cup™ standings.
“It was amazing to go in there today. I’ve ridden in Gothenburg for many years. I got a lot of applause when I came in and Touchdown got quite excited. We had small things in the canter tour, but it was a fantastic test. It was Dressage at its best today. Dressage is alive,” Kittel said.
Krüth confirms her form
Friday’s Grand Prix winner Carina Cassøe Krüth finished third with owned by Poul Thørgensen's Danish mare Heiline’s Danciera (by Furstenball x De Niro). The experienced pair once again delivered a confident and balanced Freestyle.
“We had some small mistakes today, so I can live with our third place. But we are in a good position in the World Cup standings, and if we have enough points, I will definitely go to the Final,” said Krüth.
Danish strength in depth
Fourth, fifth and sixth place were all claimed by Danish combinations, underlining the nation’s strong presence in Gothenburg. Sara Aagaard Hyrm (DEN) and Atterupgaards Cooper (by Charmeur x Gribaldi) finished fourth on 75.050%. After early tension, they settled well and delivered a faultless performance.
Cecilie Dybro Jensen (DEN) and Zagori (by Zack x Sir Donnerhall II) produced a tidy Freestyle, while Anna Zibrandtsen (DEN) and the experienced Quel Filou (by Quaterback x Stedinger) scored 74.245% despite two mistakes.
All eyes on ’s-Hertogenbosch
The next FEI Dressage World Cup™ qualifier, and the final leg of the Western European League, will take place in ’s-Hertogenbosch (NED) on 13 and 14 March, where the final qualification places for the Final will be decided. So don’t miss a hoofbeat!
Related Links
Scores: 2026 CDI-W Gothenburg
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2025-2026 World Cup show circuit