Almost a year to the day, Blue Hors Don Olymbrio made his return to international dressage sport in a winning way. Under Nanna Merrald Rasmussen, the 14-year old KWPN licensed stallion won the Grand Prix at the 2022 CDI Ranbøl on 11 November 2022.
The liver chestnut stallion was on familiar ground at the "Blue Hors Dressage Festival" in Randbøl. His home yard was the stage for a double victory in his last CDI in 2021, a year ago, and it became the platform for his come back this weekend. While the competition is mainly a national show, it also includes a 3* small and big tour.
In a field of 18 competitors from five different nations, Merrald rode Don Olymbrio (by Jazz x Ferro) to a winning score of 74.261% and stayed far ahead of the competition. The Grand Prix was judged by Eriksson, Christensen, Van Twist, Soegaard, and Colliander.
"it felt great to be back in the ring with Don Olymbrio," said Merrald. "A lot of power and a lot to improve, but so happy with him."
The runner-up was Denmark's Tokyo Olympic reserve rider Charlotte Heering, who made her return to CDI showing in October after a six-month break. Aboard her 16-year old KWPN bred Bufranco (by Negro x Zevenster) she posted 71.478% for second place.
The top three was completed by Anna Zibrandtsen who rode her third international at Grand Prix level on the 11-year old Oldenburg bred Quel Filou (by Quaterback x Stedinger). After Falsterbo and Vilhelmsborg, they pair gained mileage in Randbøl and scored 70.739% for third place. Zibrandtsen has been training with Cathrine Dufour alongside her coach of more than a decade, Jan Brink.
Photo © Blue Hors
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Scores: 2022 CDI Ranbøl