Posted: 16th May 2014 | Back to news feed
World Number One Thrills Windsor Crowd
The World Number One
was especially delighted with the black Dutch-bred stallion. "After our
ride at Saumur I was rather disappointed as he was really tricky there but
today he let me help him in the ring," said Charlotte. "I am trying
to establish the same bond I have with Valegro - but he is completely different
in his mind - although it is also a great opportunity to learn to produce a
Grand Prix on a horse that isn't as easy as Valegro - they are not all as easy as
him."
The British European team combination of Michael Eilberg and Jon and Julie
Deverill's Half Moon Delphi were second (72.9%). The lovely grey Dimaggio sired
mare produce, flowing half passes, impressive off the floor passage and one
time changes but small mistakes meant a loss of higher marks. "For one
reason or another we haven't done a lot and we just need to get back in the
ring a bit more," said Eilberg who is hoping to take her to Aachen.
"There were a few silly glitches - she spooked at a shadow and can get a
bit twitchy at things like that but the passage was good and the one time
changes have really come on."
Carl Hester was third with his new Grand Prix ride, ten-year-old Nip and Tuck
(71.6%). The imposing Dutch-bred gelding by Don Ruto, who stands at 18hh, is
owned by Hester and Jane De la Mare and made his Grand Prix debut two months
ago, albeit he has been trained to the level since a four-year-old by his
rider. He produced assured ground covering half passes although modest
extensions but the 71+% score was enough to ensure he is now also qualified for
consideration for the World Equestrian Games later in the year and is the
fourth horse that Carl has qualified for the WEG.
"I am pretty chuffed with his progress," said Hester who was extremely
under the weather and suffering from a flu-like virus. "He used to get
very hot but today produced a relaxed mistake free test which is what I wanted
at this stage."
Danish judge Lief Tornblad was president of the Ground Jury. He said; "The
winner was clear. Aside from a slight mistake in one of the two-time changes
they were faultless and produced a very secure test with highlights of passage
and extended trot. Delphi is an elastic horse with a wonderful passage and
although today they produced a few expensive mistakes, she is a really capable
mare. Carl's new horse was a positive surprise and produced a very secure test
in a good rhythm with no irregularities. While he could have more power he will
have eventually for sure."
Thirteen combinations contested the FEI Grand Prix which was part of the
evening performance at the show that has an impressive backdrop of Windsor
Castle. All will compete in tomorrow night's FEI Grand Prix Freestyle.
Charlotte Dujardin returns to compete in the CDI3* International Freestyle Grand Prix competition taking place at today 18:30 in the Castle Arena.
Once again a feast of equine entertainment will take place throughout the day,
including the Musical Ride of The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and the
Musical Drive of The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery.
For tickets or to see a full schedule visit www.rwhs.co.uk
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