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Edward Gal Leads Team Netherlands to Victory in the Dressage in Aachen

Edward Gal.

(Aachen, Germany, 13 August 2015) – The Netherlands, today, saw off tough competition and 22 years of German dominance in the team dressage competition phase of the 2015 FEI European Championships in Aachen with Great Britain finishing in second. Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) riding Valegro headed up the Individual leader-board with an impressive score of 83.029.

The Netherlands Claim Team Gold

The Dutch team proved they were still very much a force to be revered at the 2015 FEI European Championships today in Aachen, Germany. Both Hans Peter Minderhound and Edward Gal proved them and their team were worthy winners of the Gold medal by providing faultless displays and perfect precision.

Defending Dressage Team Gold Medallists, Germany, finished the day third, behind Great Britain who came second.

The host nation were hotly tipped to claim the Dressage team title for the 23rd time however strong competition from the British and Dutch competitors proved this would not be the case.

Great Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin Leads the Individual Grand Prix

Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin led Great Britain in the Individual leader-board. The phenomenal partnering with her incredible horse Valegro left them topping the board with a score of 83.029. The British team, consisting of Michael George Eilberg, Carl Hester and Fiona Bigwood, put pressure on the Dutch and German teams throughout the two days of Grand Prix competition but unfortunately it wasn’t enough to see off the Dutch rivals.

The top 30 riders from today’s Grand Prix qualify for the Grand Prix Special on Saturday.

Quotes

Edward Gal (NED):

“It was amazing to win, especially in Germany, in Aachen. I don’t think anybody really expected it and for us to win, but now we have we are extra extra happy! We have a great team; our spirit is good.”

Charlotte Dujardin (GBR):

“I knew I’d made a couple of mistakes which is a bit disappointing but the trot at the beginning felt really good. I don’t think there are many horses that have gone in there and not made mistakes; it’s just unfortunate. I think as a team we have done well. Fiona had a great ride yesterday; Carl had a good ride today, so it’s been very positive.”

Rolex Testimonee Isabell Werth, riding Don Johnson FRH (GER):

“Being on the podium again was great but to be honest we had another goal which was gold; third isn’t bad but being at home we really wanted gold.” She is positive looking forward to the Grand Prix Special on Saturday. “Don is in a good shape and I will obviously try my best; I’ll try to get the best from him so that’s my goal.”

For more information on the 2015 European Championships, please visit http://www.aachen2015.de/en/.

Rolex and the European Championships

Rolex is a major supporter of the biennial European Championships, an event which brings together Europe’s best equestrian pairs. For the first time, the FEI European Championships in Aachen, Germany, this summer (11-23 August) unites five equestrian disciplines – Show Jumping, Dressage, Driving, Vaulting and Reining. Competitors test their metal strength and show their equine discipline in front of crowds of up to 40,000.

Rolex is proud to support an occasion where the values that the leading luxury watchmaking brand holds dear – courage, precision, empathy, sportsmanship and passion – will be so clearly demonstrated.

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