Reigning World Cup champion Isabell Werth has won the second leg of the 2017/2018 series in Lyon with a convincing lead of nearly 4%.
‘So much power’
The German superstar was riding 11-year-old gelding Emilio, who produced an impressive score of 86.115%.
“This was a personal best score with Emilio and I’m so happy because he worked so well,”said Isabell. He was really relaxed, but with so much power that he gave me goosebumps!”
Spain’s Beatriz Ferrer-Salat finished second (82.630%) ahead of Sweden’s Patrik Kittel in third (81.555%).
Dramatic changes
Isabell and Emilio performed their test to a classical musical score which perfectly demonstrated their dramatic changes of rhythm and pace, and three out of five judges gave them artistic scores of over 90%.
“He has become so much more confident, even in the warm-up he was focused and concentrated, he’s becoming more professional and improving all the time,” she said.
Isabell she plans to bring out her top ride Weihegold, who helped her win triple-gold at the European Championships, to the next leg on home turf in Stuttgart (18 November).
‘Extra carrots!’
British Dressage National Champion Hayley Watson-Greaves came a very respectable eighth with her own Rubins Nite (74.655%). Fellow Brit Emile Faurie was 15th with Lollipop (70.015%)
According to Hayley they had a “few blips” but she was very happy to finish in the top ten alongside the world’s best riders. “Extra carrots for Squeak!” she said.
Patrik Kittel is currently at the top of the World Cup league table and a whopping 23 points ahead of second-placed Marcela Krinke Susmelj from Switzerland.
Don’t miss FEI World Cup Dressage: Lyon when it premieres on 7 November at 9pm on Sky 253 and online via H&C Play or Amazon Video. The show will then be available to watch on Catch Up.