• Save

Dujardin Wins at Windsor

Photos: Kit Houghton/HPower.

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.”

Third place Carl Hester riding Nip Tuck
  • Save
Third place Carl Hester riding Nip Tuck

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.

Windsor Favourite – The Nail Biting Shetland Grand National

Aintree came to Berkshire yesterday — albeit on a miniature scale — as the Shetland Pony Grand National took place at Royal Windsor Horse Show. A sea of colour graced spectators at the show as the junior jockeys aged between nine and 14 raced around the specially prepared course in what is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the week.

While the obstacles they had to negotiate may not have been as high as those at Aintree, when you’re on a horse less than half the size of a thoroughbred travelling at full speed, they look just as frightening. The race was huge fun to watch and compete in and as ever, raised charitable funds for the Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The Shetland Grand National took place in the Castle Arena
  • Save
The Shetland Grand National took place in the Castle Arena

More runnings of the Shetland Grand National will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the Castle Arena.

Friday Highlights

The CSI3* Land Rover Speed Stakes take place in the Castle Arena at start if the afternoon session, which is set to be an exciting competition. Great Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin returns to compete in the CDI3* International Freestyle Grand Prix competition taking place at 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.

For more information or image requests please contact Hannah Grissell at Revolution Sports + Entertainment E: hannah@revolutionsports.co.uk T: 0207 592 1207

Leave a Reply