Lee Pearson has won his first individual gold medal at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
Back on top
Team GB’s best known Para rider has been unbeaten so far at these championships. Today he scored 77.310% to have a clear lead over Austria’s Pepo Puch, in an exact replica of Monday’s Grade 1b results.
It was a satisfying result for the Brit, who had to settle for silver at his last major championships in London 2012.
“It’s a feeling of elation and relief. To be selected and to come here is amazing. It’s been great to have the chance to compete against Pepo since he beat me in London and come and beat him on a different horse is satisfying,” said Lee.
Like a Zion
While Lee has had some ups and downs in the past five years, including winning team gold at the Olympics and buying his own yard, but also suffering a bad injury and missing out on European selection, but he seems to be back to his best.
Lee paid tribute to his 10-year-old gelding, from whom he had a bad fall in 2011 that left him with a broken back. “I just love that horse,” he says. “He just gives me everything. He warmed up perfectly; long, loose and round to get that big trot that he offers. The walk was really strong today; he stayed really relaxed.”
Disappointed
Fellow Brit Ricky Balshaw contested the same test, but finished in seventh place on 69.414% so missed out on a medal.
In the Grade III competition, in which there were no Brits, the honours went to Germany’sHannelore Brenner and Women of the World.
Tomorrow the team medal will be decided, while the first of the Grade Ia, Grade II and Grade IV medals will be decided.