German World Champion Isabell Werth wins World Cup Qualifier
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
German World Champion Isabell Werth and her 18hh giant Warum Nicht, set the Olympia arena alight to win the first night’s World Cup qualifying grand prix. From the first extended trot Isabell and ‘Hannes’ set out in determined mood, the German bred Weltmeyer chestnut displaying powerful off the floor paces to record a string of nines. The pair gained a unanimous verdict from the panel of judges to win the 21 strong class with a score of 75.7% and a comfortable margin of two percent over the second placed Dutch combination of Imke Schellekens-Bartels and Sunrise.
Imke and her delightful and aptly named mare are in the ascendant. The combination, a popular third here last year, was second to Isabell and Warum Nicht in the Maastricht World Cup qualifier two weeks ago. Imke,who was ninth individually at this year’s World Equestrian Games, was delighted with her 11- year-old by the Hanoverian Singular Joke. "She is improving all the time," said Imke. “That was her best grand prix yet and the marks were the best we have had as we which is a great feeling.”
Dutch riders were out in force also taking the next two places with Laurens Van Lieren and the 10-year-old Hexagons Ollright in third and Edward Gal on the popular Trakehner breeding stallion, Gribaldi, in fourth.
Olympia first timers Spencer Wilton and Dolendo were sixth in their World Cup debut and best of the British contingent. The National freestyle champions, in their first season at the level, performed a fluent test to gain 69%. “Just arriving at Olympia was exciting enough,” said Spencer. “Donald was little nervous and all I hoped for was to qualify for the music so I am really pleased with him.”
British riders Laura Bechtolsheimer (Douglas Dorsey), Wayne Channon, (Lorenzo) and Stephanie Croxford (Mr President) also made the top 15 to qualify for tonight’s freestyle to music. Competing here is a career high for Stephanie who had no thoughts of a dressage career when she bought the Dutch-bred Gelderlander. “From happy hacker to Olympia – it’s frightening,” said Stephanie who is based in Debyshire. “I always watched Olympia on television when I was young actually being part of the show is not something I could even have dreamed of. What was really amazing was driving into central London in the horsebox.” The 12-year-old Mr President pulled out the stops to gain over 67% showing some powerful extended trot. “He loves the atmosphere – he grew another six inches and riding him is almost terrifying but he knows his job and I can trust him – I feel like we have known each other over several lifetimes.”
