Isabell Werth has made the impromptu decision to retire the 18-year old Emilio from sport after her double victory at the 2024 CDI Wiesbaden on 17 - 19 May 2024.
Emilio's retirement was originally scheduled for 2023 (Frankfurt) but then rescheduled for the 2024 World Cup Finals in Riyadh as retirement show. A small injury kept the Westfalian from travelling there. One month after Riyadh, Emilio competed in his final show in Wiesbaden.
Emilio
Emilio is an 18-year old gelding by Ehrenpreis out of Celina (by Cacir AA x Frühlingsball x Pilatus). He is out of the same dam as Werth's champion mare Bella Rose. Both are bred by Heinrich and Wilhelm Strunk.
A detailed history of Emilio's illustrious career can be found here.
Impromptu
Emilio's rather "sudden" retirement ceremony was announced early Sunday 19 May on Werth's social media with a reel in which she explained that his last dance would be the Wiesbaden freestyle.
"This video we took a few weeks ago and put "in the drawer"," the reel stated. "Tonight is the day! Now it's time to cross your fingers once again ✊🏼 for our farewell dance in the Kür at 23:05."
Werth won the Kur with 83.300%, well ahead of second placed Andrina Suter on Fibonacci (77.390%).
Photo © Stefan Lafrentz
Related Links
Scores: 2024 CDI Wiesbaden
No Retirement Show for Emilio at 2024 World Cup Finals, Quantaz Substitutes
Isabell Werth Reconsiders Emilio's Retirement, Maybe More World Cup
Werth and Emilio Strut to World Cup Victory at 2023 CDI-W Stuttgart
Isabell Werth to Retire Emilio at End of 2023