For reigning world champions Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale it was an easy weekend cashing in the big bucks at the inaugural 2023 CDI 5* in Fontainebleau, France, where the pot of prize money was 100,000 euro and just 13 riders competing.
The 2023 CDI Fontainebleau was a brand new event on the calendar, incorporated into an international show jumping competition. While the venue is no stranger to organizing dressage events with them being the hosts of the 2012 European Pony Championships and 2018 European Children, Junior, Young Riders Championships, it was the first time it opened its door to international Grand Prix.
Golden Egg
Few riders spotted this golden egg on the calendar and the starters field was of mixed quality with Isabell Werth taken the private jet to compete Emilio there (while also showing at the CDI Hagen on the same weekend) alongside German team mate Dorothee Schneider.
There was no doubt about it that Fry and Glamourdale would go home with the glory and money. The other rivals in the class were mainly the French and Belgian team riders. Dutch team rider Thamar Zweistra was there with her top horse, Hexagon's Ich Weiss (by Rubiquil x Negro) but got eliminated from the Grand Prix.
Glamourdale Wins Unchallenged
Fry and Glamourdale were unchallenged in Fontainebleau and posted a winning 79.935% in the Grand Prix and 89.360% in the Kur.
“Glamourdale was already in great form yesterday for the Grand Prix, even though he made a few small mistakes," Fry said after the freestyle. "He was really fresh and enthusiastic, and I have to admit that I was really aiming to put in one of our best performances today. And I think that's what happened. I had a great feeling, he was still really positive today, he enjoyed every second of our routine to the full. Everything went according to plan, with no mistakes. I think I've just experienced our best ever performance together. To be honest, I don't think he could have done much better than he did."
"Obviously, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are our main objective, and we are taking things as they come, day by day," she said. "The main challenge will be to keep Glamourdale in a good mindset, to ensure that he remains happy to go out and compete, and that he continues to enjoy his work as a competition horse. He will tell us what rhythm and the schedule to adopt, according to his needs. He is not the kind of horse that needs to do a lot of shows; he loves competing and is always really excited and always does his best. So, we'll try to make sure he stays true to himself. He is a very expressive horse: when I meet him in the stables, I can tell if he is happy or if he needs a few more carrots (laughs). He's quite a character! "
Schneider Does the Double
After placing "only" fourth in the Grand Prix with Emilio (73.174%), Isabell Werth withdrew from the Kur as she had felt Emilio knock himself in the Grand Prix class and he wasn't as fit for the next ride.
Dorothee Schneider and Gabriele Kipper's 13-year old Oldenburg gelding First Romance (by Furst Romancier x Day Dream) were on excellent form in Fontainebleau and placed second twice with 75.000% in the Grand Prix and 82.250% in the Kur. The pair debuted at Grand Prix level at the CDI Lier in February 2022 and have been consistently scoring in the mid seventies since.
"I know this horse really well, he's got so much talent," said Schneider. "But today was our first CDI 5* and only the second time he has ridden a Freestyle to Music, so I have to admit I am over the moon. Yesterday already, everything went really well, after a long six-month period without competing. He still managed to stay very focused. He was a little tense when he entered the arena, probably overwhelmed by its size. But he relaxed quite quickly and I am really proud of him and the freestyle we did here in Fontainebleau."
Jimenez Third
Spanish team rider Juan Antonio Jimenez showed similar, outstanding form and twice third behind Schneider aboard the 14-year old Portuguese bred Lusitano Euclides MOR (by Riopele x Gingao). Jimenez and the Mexican owned Euclides already represented Spain at the 2019 and 2021 European Championships
In the Fontainebleau Grand Prix they scored 73.696% and in the Freestyle they had 78,970%.
"I am really happy with the performances we put in yesterday and today: each one was a personal best for me," said Jimenez. "My horse Euclides Mor stayed focused, along with me, during the two routines, even though he is a stallion that you need to control. He is moving forward in the right direction and I am increasing pleased with his performance with each routine."
Photos © PSV
Related Link
Scores: 2023 CDI Fontainebleau