Tag Archives: featured

*Featured/Spotlights, Horse Racing

Shadwell Impresses in the UK, but Are Denting the US Racing Market

Belmont Stakes, 10 June 2006, winner Jazil, from the Shadwell stables. Photo by Naoki Nakashima – Flickr: Jazil, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15492695.

United States based horse racing fans will be keeping a keen eye on the Shadwell group’s success over in the British horse racing market.

Following the passing of Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum back in March 2021, racing fans across the world wondered what would happen to the blue and white silks that were a prominent fixture at race meets across the globe, but later in September, Shadwell Stud announced that they would be seriously trimming back their operations and dispersing a majority stake of stock following his death.

This still left an interest in the American race market and back in July, Derrinstown’s Awtaad again proved himself a reliable stud, as daughter Anisette romped home in the Grade 2 San Clemente Stakes at Del Mar. The now Leonard Powell-trained novice impressed everyone when up against fellow talented three-year-old fillies with graded stakes form, yet still managed to power clear by an increasing two-and-a-half lengths to more than justify her pre-race odds of 2/1 favourite. Whilst those odds may drop a little if the group now moves her up to Grade 1 race events, as most now think will happen, for those who like a flutter on their horses, her potential suggests she is very much one to watch, and one to put a small stake on if you feel the need.

Moving back to Shadwell as a whole, instead, they would focus in on key strategic objectives in an effort to maximise a much smaller foot print moving forward. Their statement explained that they were “undertaking a full review of all its activities that will result in important changes for the business. As a result its operations in the UK, Ireland, and the USA will contract, with a focus on quality and competition at the highest level of the sport.”

Plenty of racing commentators had their own thoughts on whether or not this was a sensible business move by the group as they moved forward, but they were clearly staying in the major markets that they were well versed in – but the sticking point was always going to be: could you have greater success with fewer assets?

As per Horse Bet, with a mind to the British racing market in particular, Sheikh Hamdan’s daughter Sheikha Hissa took on the reins under their new, much tighter, business plan, and whilst it has not yet been replicated in other global race markets, their endeavours in Britain are certainly coming to fruition.

The Shadwell group have now taken eleven wins from 21 races – representing an astonishing 52% success rate – as they focus on quality and calibre of horse, as well as racing competition at the highest level. Their success rate may well be increasing as the current Goodwood series of events continues.

But for the United States market, it again shows the Shadwell group of companies and their connections are determined to make an impact, even if they have scaled back their overall bulk.

This season, sires Anmaat and Diamil have already tasted success and Anisette is the latest in Awtaad’s bloodline to make the headlines, and with nine individual stake winners to his name, he is proving himself to be one of the best value sires in Europe at a ridiculous price of just 5,000 Euros.

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity

London International Horse Show Announces King’s Troop Foundation as Official Charity for 2023

Photo: London International Horse Show/Rose Lewis

London International Horse Show announced The King’s Troop Foundation as its official charity for the 2023 edition of the event, which will be held from 13-18 December.

The Foundation was selected to coincide with the return of the renowned King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery Musical Drive to the Show’s arena after 15 years. Formed in 2020, the Foundation promotes the efficiency, morale and well-being of His Majesty’s Mounted Ceremonial Battery and their horses. All members of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery are trained operational soldiers who play a vital role in the defence of the United Kingdom. The Foundation holds the best interests of the soldiers at its heart, as it ensures that opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable are provided to them, to boost motivation and engagement in their careers.

The Foundation is funded entirely by voluntary donations, supported by Gift Aid and grants. The partnership with London International Horse Show will provide significant financial and material benefits, including building awareness for the Foundation to the Show’s audience and promotion of the Foundation in the Show’s printed material and through the Show’s social media channels.  Visitors are asked to donate to the Show’s charity at the point of purchasing tickets and a portion of all ticket sales for the Thursday afternoon performance is donated to the Charity.

The Musical Drive of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery will be part of the dazzling schedule of equestrian action across the six-day Show. The display will spectacularly demonstrate and highlight the multitude of talent and skill that these soldiers have, but particularly their unique ability to control teams of six horses pulling wheeled guns at high speed. The act will culminate in the firing of the Troop’s 13-pound field guns – a moment sure to create excitement for the audience.

The Commanding Officer, Major John Baileff, expressed his delight at the selection of The King’s Troop Foundation: “All at The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery are looking forward to being a part of the London International Horse Show. It is one of the highlights of the horse show calendar and we are thrilled and privileged to be part of the show this year.  Having the London International Horse Show select the King’s Troop Foundation to be the Show’s official charity this year is a huge honour for The Troop, with it being such a key part of The Troop’s life. The Foundation is an independent charity that promotes the efficiency, morale, and well-being of the serving Troop and our Military Working Horses, funded entirely by voluntary donations, supported by Gift Aid, and grants. We can’t wait to see everyone in the arena soon.”

London International Horse Show Director, Simon Brooks-Ward, said: “The London International Horse Show is delighted to name The King’s Troop Foundation as our official charity for the 2023 Show. The Foundation supports the operational soldiers who are part of the Troop and honours their dedication. We are proud to be able to contribute and are looking forward to seeing The Musical Drive of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery in action at the Show.”

The highly anticipated 2023 edition of the London International Horse Show will bring world-class equestrian action, with its traditional Christmas feel, to the capital’s ExCeL venue. As the only Show in the United Kingdom to host FEI World Cup competitions in Dressage, Jumping, and Driving, it is the pinnacle of the equestrian calendar, attracting many of the world’s best horse and rider combinations from around the globe.

More information about The London International Horse Show, including how to buy tickets and donate to The King’s Troop Foundation can be found here.

For more information, please contact:
Niki McEwen / rEvolution / nmcewen@revolutionworld.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., FEI, Show Jumping

Results from FEI European Championships for Ponies in Jumping, Dressage, Eventing in Le Mans

Individual Medals: GOLD: GER-Nell Röming and Marlon 192. SILVER: Sina Brügger and Next Generation. BRONZE: Marlene Hayessen and Betty Boo 14. FEI European Championships for Ponies | Eventing. Photo: FEI / Libby Law

Outstanding performances by German athletes in the Dressage and Eventing competitions, earning 5 out of 5 golds, and Ireland taking top spots in both Team and Individual Jumping at the FEI European Championships for Ponies in Jumping, Dressage, and Eventing 2023 held in Le Mans (FRA).

Jumping Individual Podium
1° Paddy Reape (IRE) & Fernando
2° Ellen Hammarström (SWE) & Ocean des As
3° Kian Dore (IRL) & Sparkling Lackaghmore Joey

Jumping Team Podium
1° Ireland
2° Sweden
3° Great Britain

Dressage Individual Podium
1° Lilly Marie Collin (GER) & Cosmo Callidus NRW
2° Julie Sophie Schmitz-Heinen (GER) & Chilli Morning WE
3° Liezel Everars (BEL) & FS Capelli de Niro

Dressage Individual Freestyle Podium
1° Lilly Marie Collin (GER) & Cosmo Callidus NRW
2° Liezel Everars (BEL) & FS Capelli de Niro
3° Maria Theresa Pohl (GER) & Der Kleine Sunnyboy WE

Dressage Team Podium
1° Germany
2° Denmark
3° Belgium

Eventing Individual Podium
1° Nell Röming (GER) & Marlon 192
2° Sina Brügger (GER) & Next Generation
3° Marlene Hayessen (GER) & Betty Boo 14

Eventing Team Podium
1° Germany
2° France
3° Ireland

Check the full results here.

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

*Featured/Spotlights

Enough Is Enough

How do you spell cruelty? At the Cloud Foundation, we spell it:  R-O-U-N-D-U-P.  Specifically, helicopter roundup.

The BLM’s Antelope Valley Complex roundup commenced on July 9th and is unfortunately making our point for us. In 16 days, 19 horses have been killed. At least 7 tiny foals have died from the stress of the BLM miles-long run in hot and extreme temperatures. It’s unknown how many may have collapsed out on the range during the helicopter stampedes. Mares have been driven so hard that they’ve broken their necks – likely crashing gates.  Stallions have lost their lives, as well – one dying in the loading process (broken neck), and another that admirers named Mr. Sunshine for his palomino color breaking his leg jumping the 6′ high trap in a valiant attempt at freedom, which ended in a three-legged, 35-minute chase from both helicopter and horseman before his suffering was finally ended. Meanwhile, the cruelty continues.

BLM reports 19 deaths so far.  With the roundup still in progress, final reports are yet to come. An accurate count may never be known.

“The undercounting of deaths is, unfortunately, all too common,” says TCF Founder, Ginger Kathrens. “It is BLM practice to eliminate foals from the death count, as if they were never born and cared for by their mothers and the rest of their family. BLM literally gets away with murder.”

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! This kind of horrific cruelty needs to stop. There’s no accountability.

If you agree, please take action!

The Cloud Foundation
www.thecloudfoundation.org

*Featured/Spotlights, Driving

The Para Equestrian Digest — Emma Golding and Mossy

The Para Equestrian Digest speaks to Para Driver Emma Golding, who has represented Ireland in six Para World Championships for Singles, about her unique relationship with her one-eyed gelding Mossy.

About The Para Equestrian Digest

The FEI launched The Para Equestrian Digest in February 2022. The online magazine was created for Para Equestrian athletes and the people connected to the sport so they can share – in their own words – their personal experiences and disability stories. The Digest puts the spotlight on an athlete or project in Para Equestrian sport with the aim of improving disability awareness and inclusion.

Previous editions of The Para Equestrian Digest: https://www.fei.org/stories/para-equestrian-digest.

Media contact:

Vanessa Martin Randin
Senior Manager, Media Relations & Communications – Corporate Campaigns & Advocacy
vanessa.randin@fei.org

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, FEI, Vaulting

Momentous Triple Vaulting Championships Promise a Thrilling Week

Averill Saunders at the Burlington Capital FEI Vaulting World Cup Final 2023 in Omaha (USA) – FEI / Richard Juilliart

Excitement is building until the largest Vaulting Championships in history takes place in Flyinge (SWE).  The FEI Vaulting European Championship will be held in combination with the FEI World Championship for Juniors and the premiere of the FEI World Championship for Young Vaulters. Hosting the three Championships is a challenge embraced by the Swedish hosts and much anticipated by the athletes and spectators, with 26 nations and 135 horses expected to present themselves to the Ground Jury.

The first medals will be awarded to the Senior athletes on Friday, 28 July. In the hotly contested Female class, Switzerland has a strong showing with Ilona Hannich, Danielle Bürgi, and Nadja Büttiker. Bürgi, who has had an excellent season showing her calibre on multiple horses, finished second at the FEI Vaulting World Cup™ in Omaha (USA) and the CVI3* in Bern (SUI), and won the CVI** Masterclass in Wiesbaden (GER). Büttiker has a wealth of experience and Hannich has significantly increased her level as evidenced by her fourth-place finish at the CHIO Aachen (GER) in June 2023.

Austria’s Eva Nagiller will be aiming for a podium finish, after a disappointing run at the FEI Vaulting World Championship in Herning (DEN) in 2022 due to her horse becoming unsettled.

It is a family affair for Germany, as each athlete will be lunged by their parent. Kathrin Meyer, winner of the FEI Vaulting World Cup™ in Omaha in 2023 and more recently champion of CHIO Aachen, has had an almost perfect season. She will start the event as the favourite and will be lunged by her mum Sonja. Much of her competition comes from 2022 FEI Vaulting World Championship silver medallist Julia Sophie Wagner, also lunged by her mother Katja, and Alina Ross, who is striving for her first senior medal alongside her father Volker.

The family theme continues with the Brüsewitz Brüder (Brüsewitz brothers) trio, the Male contingent from Germany, comprising Viktor, Thomas, and honorary brother Jannik Heiland. While they have a plethora of medals, a senior gold medal has been elusive.

The biggest title challenge comes from the youngest contender, Frenchman and current Vice-World Champion Quentin Jabet. The 20-year-old vaults with such precision and grace that he will be hard to beat. Fellow countryman Theo Gardies also has a unique style and ability worthy of championship glory. It is a narrow but strong field with multiple highly decorated athletes, which will make for a tight and exciting battle.

Vaulting aficionados will be looking to see if Germany can remain dominant in the sport despite filling only one of their two Pas-de-Deux spaces. Diana Harwardt and Peter Künne have the nation’s hopes on their shoulders. As silver medallists at the FEI Vaulting World Championships in Herning (DEN) in 2022, there is high expectations for them to pick up the torch passed from retired teammates 2022 FEI World Champions Chiara Congia and Justin van Gerven.

Bronze medallists at the 2022 FEI Vaulting World Championship, Rebecca Greggio and Davide Zanella, will endeavour to turn the tables and bring gold home for Italy.  Both couples will face stiff competition from Switzerland and Austria. Ilona Hannich competing together with Li Laffer for Switzerland will be going after their first Championship bid, while Austrians Eva Nagiller and Romana Hintner will try to replicate or improve on their 2019 FEI European Championship bronze medal finish.

Germany’s Team Norka is on course to take the top step of the Squad podium again, and although they are in a different composition to the last few years, they have had a solid season.  Their biggest rivals are the Swiss, whom they have defeated twice this year. The third podium step is where it might get interesting, as the lack of an Austrian entry throws the floor open. The Swedish have the home advantage and they have been working hard towards this goal for a long time. Nordic rivals, Denmark, has seen medal success in recent years and will ride that wave to aim for further glory.  However, the Netherlands could ruin it for them both, as their squad has been quietly progressing and has an equal opportunity to steal the third position.

The final competition of the event will be the Official Team. One squad and two individuals from each country will combine to be crowned European Champions. Much like the Squad competition, and sadly due to the absence of a French and Austrian Squad, it looks to be a fight for the top between Germany and Switzerland. Germany has something to prove after missing out on an Official Team medal at the 2022 FEI World Championships, proving that even the best can falter under pressure. There will certainly be pressure for the Netherlands, Sweden, and 2022 vice-World Champions Denmark, as the podium lies tantalisingly close.

FEI Vaulting World Championship for Juniors

The FEI Vaulting World Championships for Juniors has an exceptional number of Female entries. A record fifty-six have declared, including Polina Shovkova and Kateryna Panasenko, Ukraine’s first representatives at a Vaulting Championship.  They will take to the circle aboard Filon, lunged by Kevine Moneuse (FRA).  Historically the World Junior Female title is reserved for Austria, and Clara Ludwiczek, Antonia Mayerhofer, and Katharina Feldhofer will try to keep up the tradition.  Switzerland offers three strong contenders, Leonie Linsbichler, Mara Hofer, Noemi Licci, and the quality presented by Germany is just as high with Mia Kluge, Mirja Luise Krohne, and Laura Seemüller.

It is not only these heavyweight nations who hold Europe’s medal chances. Oceane Gehan brings high hopes for France, while Giorgia Varisco could claim her place in history for Italy. Nora Sandberg Müller is the top choice for the home nation. Of course, the title could head across the pond with Hannah Wildermuth (USA), who has had an excellent season but has not yet met the full might of European talent. The quality of participants is undoubtedly high, and success will go to those who manage the pressure of high-level competition, both mentally and physically. Of course, the calibre and composure of the horses and lungers may be the deciding factor.

Dutch Junior Male World Champion Sam dos Santos returns to defend his title after competing at the Senior Championship in Herning (DEN) in 2022. Since his victory at the FEI World Championships for Juniors in Le Mans (FRA) in 2021, he has proven himself at a level to take on and prevail over many of the top Senior Men. Triumph is not inevitable as there are other high-grade juniors out to take his title. The bronze medallist at the FEI Vaulting European Championship for Juniors in Kaposvar (HUN) in 2022, Arnee Heers, is the front runner for Germany, and his young teammate Lukas Heitmann might also manage a medal at his first major Championship. Synonymous with excellence in Male vaulting, France has two hopefuls: Baptiste Terrier and Louis Dumont.  Each must show exceptional rounds if they are to win the class for France for the first time.

Out to make history for his country, Jakub Roguski could become the first decorated Polish vaulter.  He finished sixth at the 2022 FEI European Championships for Juniors and has been producing quality performances this season. Other notable performers to look out for are Andrej Menhert of Slovakia and Switzerland’s Romain Simonet.

The Junior Pas-de-Deux class is the essence of girl power as every combination is a female partnership.  As in the senior category, Germany has elected to only present one pair: Lisa Marie Wagner and Timea Bonekat.  Austrians Anja Huber and Katharina Feldhofer could upgrade their 2022 European bronze medal but will have to fend off team-mates Sarah Victoria Köck and Clara Dick, as well as Italy’s Giorgia Varisco and Greta Gemignani, who are on course for a first Junior medal.

It is gratifying to see the increasing number of nations participating in the Championships. This year both Brazil and Canada will premiere a Junior Squad. Fierce competition awaits in the form of European Champions Switzerland. They will present the same 2022 victorious squad, albeit on a different horse – Lagrima.  They too will have to stave off competition from formidable squads from Italy, Germany, and Austria.

FEI World Championship for Young Vaulters

The Young Vaulter class was established in 2022 to bridge the gap between Junior and Senior level. The format is mainly the same as the Senior competition although the athletes, aged 16-21, perform only three of the five obligatory exercises within their Technical Test. A hugely successful 2022 FEI European Championship in Kaposvar (HUN) has led to a positive uptake in participants, with the prize to become the maiden World Champion, an alluring prospect.

Joint favourites in the Female category are current European Champion from Germany Alice Layher, with her medal winning combination and Averill Saunders, who is on the hunt for Canada’s first Vaulting medal.  Saunders has a strong chance of achieving that dream if she can control her mind and remain free of the heel injury which hampered the middle of her season.  Switzerland’s Michelle Brügger and Alicia Bärtschi will be pushing their nation towards the top of the table, alongside 2022 Junior European Champion Anna Weidenauer (AUT), who has moved into the higher age bracket this year.

Determination and dedication come in the form of Caroline Morse (USA), who has flown over her own horse Grasshopper AF for the best chance of success. Desiring to be the one to bring home honours for her country, compatriot Melanie Ford has teamed up with a German combination San Felice Z and Christina Ender. The youngest competitor at 17 years old is Italy’s Giada Samiolo, not that you could tell from her string of good results this year. Alongside Giorgia Fanucci, either would be worthy to stand on the rostrum for Italy.

Ruben Delauney (FRA), the 2022 FEI Male European Champion for Young Vaulters, has now progressed into the Senior category which leaves the title space open. Inevitably, it will be Austria versus Germany in a tussle for the top. 2022 Silver and Bronze medallists, Philip Clement and Fabian Lipp, will try to better their results for Austria, while 2022 FEI Junior European Champion Bela Lehnen (GER) has been in superb form, and is joined by Philip Goroncy and Jonathon Geib, each looking for German glory.

It will be an action-packed week of Vaulting, with quality horses, incredible skills, and a rollercoaster of emotions. The culmination of years of preparation and teamwork, it all comes down to mental toughness, steadfast horses, and a little bit of luck. History will be made once again as we eagerly anticipate the crowning of new champions.

by Joanne Littlejohn

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Eventing/H.T., FEI

France Takes FEI Eventing Nations Cup Honours on Home Turf

Gwendolen Fer (FRA) riding Romantic Love – FEI/Libby Law Photography.

The home side dominated the French leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ from beginning until end. Their overall score of 101.5 put them well ahead of Belgium, who completed on 142.8. Third place went to Great Britain who finished on 149.9.

This was the fifth leg of this popular series which took place for the first time at Haras de Jardy, Normandy and attracted nine European nations as well as Australia. The victorious French team was made up of experienced team members Maxime Livio and Gwendolyn Fer, together with up-and-coming talent, Julie Simone and Camille Lejeune. All four riders performed well enough to put them inside the top ten with Livio winning the CCIO4*-NC individually on the impressive grey, Api Du Libaire, and Lejeune finishing in second place aboard Dame Decoeur Tardonne.

Speaking after the event, the triumphant Livio summed up the result for his team and his own performance with his Selle Francais gelding. “It’s always a great feeling to have such a win, especially when we are in France for the French team. I am very pleased especially for this horse because he has come back at the high level just this week and he concluded with a win and I am so happy. It was his first big show of the season, so the pressure was a little higher. It is always a pleasure to ride at Jardy because it’s a nice place for the horses, and it was a pleasure to come back with one of my top horses and I was pleased. I really appreciated his mentality because he was really connected with me.”

With world-renowned course designer Pierre Michelet in charge of the cross-country, riders knew they would face a tough test. The French designer has designed a number of championship courses, including the Rio Olympics, the 2014 FEI World Championships in Haras du Pin, and Pau CCI 5*. Whilst France led throughout, the cross-country course shook up the order beneath that. Germany, who was second behind France after the first phase, had only one rider complete the competition and therefore finished in 10th, the bottom of the table.

Camille Lejeune commented on the severity of the cross-country course, which proved to be particularly influential and saw a number of eliminations, retirements, and both jumping and time faults throughout the day. “That was the first time for the Nations Cup in Jardy. It was a very tough course, very twisty, lots of fences and a lot of jumps. Something like 40 jumps in six minutes 38, so it was a very quick race. Everything was great with my horse.”

Livio was happy to be riding a more experienced horse on the cross-country. “The course was technical, with many combinations and big angles and different striding with many choices for the riders, but my horse is very experienced, so I was quite confident. The time here is always difficult, so I decided to go for the time at the beginning of the course and then just feel my horse. From beginning to end, he was very motivated and focused on each fence, so he finished inside the time and I think he enjoyed a lot, the course.”

The sixth leg of the Nations Cup plays out in Avenches (Switzerland), which takes place from 20-23 July. The Series will conclude at Boekelo (NED) from 4-8 October, where the final Paris Olympics team place will be awarded to the highest place nation not already qualified. Belgium, who is one of those nations looking for a place in Paris, continue to lead the series on 440 points. They have targeted the Nations Cup for the purpose of helping their chance of qualification, and have sent a team to everyone so far.

FULL RESULTS HERE

by Eleanore Kelly

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, FEI

Germany Prevails in Battle of Champions at Aachen

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (GER) riding TSF Dalera BB (© FEI/Stefan Lafrentz)

The podium looked nearly identical in the FEI Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special as Germany, Denmark, and Great Britain battled for top honors in the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ at Aachen (GER), and as the start list reached its end in the Special, only the top two athletes in the FEI Dressage World Ranking remained — Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (GER) and Charlotte Fry (GBR).

The reigning individual Olympic and FEI Dressage World Cup™ Champions, von Bredow-Werndl and DSF Dalera BB took their second victory of the week Saturday at the World Equestrian Festival, receiving 81.021% in the Special to go along with a Grand Prix win Thursday (82.304%). Those scores clinched a fourth Nations Cup victory of the 2023 season for Germany.

Led by von Bredow-Werndl, Isabell Werth (DSP Quantaz), Frederic Wandres (Bluetooth OLD), and Sönke Rothenberger (Fendi), Germany’s winning total was 468.285 points, the sum of the team’s top three scores in both tests. Denmark finished second with 460.097 points, followed by Great Britain (459.756 points).

“For me, it is not as much about winning, but instead about the development. It still feels like there is room for improvement. [TSF Dalera BB] felt so, so good,” said von Bredow-Werndl.

The Grand Prix Special was particularly impressive for Germany, who did not have a rider finish outside of the top 10. For Rothenberger, the test was especially meaningful, as he and his 9-year-old stallion Fendi improved their score by nearly five percentage points after having some tense moments in the Grand Prix.

“In preparation for the [Grand Prix], I had a really good feeling. He was super training in the main arena, and I underestimated the atmosphere [during competition],” Rothenberger said. “I don’t have a spooky horse, but I could feel he was getting quite tense, and I couldn’t support him how I would have liked to support him.”

“It took two and a half days in between [the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special] to give him security in the arena. That was my main goal, and I’m really happy with the confidence we could give him. This was the third Special [Fendi] has ever done, and I’m really happy with how well I could get him back on my side. I’m really proud of him,” said Rothenberger.

Ultimately, consistency was the deciding factor when it came to separating the world’s top combinations. Great Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin (Imhotep) and Charlotte Fry (Everdale) were repeatedly on von Bredow-Werndl’s heels, but Wandres and Werth were never far behind, either.

“It’s always a good thing when you can show consistency, especially in team competition and especially with Bluetooth OLD. In the Grand Prix, he had a very harmonious and exceptional round,” Wandres said. “The feeling we started with [in the Special] in the extended trot to passage, forward and backward, he felt so amazing. I’m proud of him to shine in an arena like that.”

Germany extended its lead in the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ standings with 56 points. Sweden sits second with 32 points, followed by Denmark with 28 points.

The 2023 FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ season concludes at Falsterbo (SWE) on 16 July 2023.

FULL RESULTS

by Catie Staszak

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions

Cheltenham Festival 2024: 4 British-Trained Horses to Follow

Photo by Carine06 from UK – Champion Hurdle, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37285214

The Cheltenham Festival has been dominated by Irish trainers in recent years and that trend looks set to continue when the 2024 meeting is staged.

A quick look at the Cheltenham betting markets for next year’s top races highlights how difficult it will be for British handlers to get into the winners’ enclosure.

Irish-trained horses dominate most of the ante-post markets, particularly in each of the Grade 1 events across the four-day meeting.

However, there are several British-trained horses who have a genuine chance of emerging victorious in March. Here are four we believe can get the job done.

Constitution Hill – Arkle Novices’ Chase

The 2023 Champion Hurdle winner Constitution Hill has plenty of options open to him next season including embarking on a career over bigger obstacles.

Some pundits have suggested he could be aimed at the Gold Cup, but trainer Nicky Henderson will probably resist the temptation to head down that route.

His most likely target is the Arkle Novices’ Chase, although the Champion Chase could be an alternative if he scares away the opposition at novice level.

Whichever race he ends up in at the Festival, Constitution Hill will be a banker bet to get a winner on the board for British trainers.

Jonbon – Ryanair Chase

Henderson could add another winner to his tally in the Ryanair Chase, with his Jonbon likely to take a step up in trip next season.

The big-money purchase has finished second in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Arkle Novices’ Chase in the last two years and looks to be a Festival winner in-waiting.

He ended last season with two Grade 1 victories over two miles at Aintree and Sandown, but now looks ready to run over a longer distance.

The Ryanair Chase is the natural target for the horse and he could be tough to beat if he participates in the race in March.

Love Envoi – Mares’ Hurdle

Irish trainers have dominated the Mares’ Hurdle since it was first run in 2008, winning the race on 13 of the 16 occasions it has been staged.

Henry De Bromhead’s Honeysuckle was responsible for two of those victories (2020 & 2023), but her retirement has left the mares’ ranks lacking a superstar.

Love Envoi could be the one to beat having given Honeysuckle a run for her money in this year’s race for trainer Harry Fry.

The horse clearly likes Cheltenham after winning the 2022 Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle and looks a good bet to be extremely competitive next year.

Shishkin – Gold Cup

We return to the Henderson stable for our final recommendation, with Shishkin fancied to emerge as a strong contender in the Gold Cup.

The horse has already run twice at the Festival, but a poor run in the 2022 Champion Chase left connections scratching their heads.

He bounced back to finish second in this year’s Ryanair Chase, and followed up with a victory over 3m1f in the Aintree Bowl Chase.

Shishkin has been crying out to be run over a longer trip and should be a lively contender for the Gold Cup when March comes around.

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Eventing/H.T., FEI, Strzegom

Dutch Edge Closer to Olympic Qualification with Eventing Nations Cup Win

Janneke Boonzaaijer (BEL) rides ACSI Chanp de Tailleur. FEI – Libby Law

A demanding cross-country test shook up the order at the fourth leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ which took place at Strzegom (POL). Strong performances in this phase meant that The Netherlands walked away as the worthy winners. Despite having one rider eliminated on the cross-country, the Dutch finished on a final score of 133.8 with their other three riders finishing inside the top ten riders. Team USA were runners-up on 142.8, whilst Belgium finished in third on 166.1 penalties. Nine teams came forward to compete including host nation Poland who did not have such a happy time with none of their three riders completing the competition.

Dutch Chef d’Equipe Andrew Heffernen was delighted with the result. “These guys performed so well. It was a really tough competition and it was really refreshing to see such a strong and forward thinking and demanding cross-country course. It also gave us good pictures. There were no nasty falls or moments and that was really good for the sport. These guys performed fantastic and that is why we won. I am very proud.”

The Germans led the first phase with the Dutch team in third after the dressage, but this would certainly not prove to be a dressage competition. Germany slipped to eighth after the cross-country course designed by Marcin Konarski took its toll on so many combinations. Konarski has been designing international courses at Strzegom for 20 years and his accolades include World Cup Finals and Senior European Championships. The venue is famed for its technicality and big bold jumping efforts and this year was no exception. “This year’s course has a lot of technical questions. There are also a couple of very bold jumps where the horses have to show a lot of bravery,” he said.

Experienced Dutch rider Merel Blom-Hulsman, who has been a mainstay of the Dutch team for over a decade, summed up the challenge: “It was hard to get this win. It was a difficult course with a lot of technical questions and big jumps in between so I think we all really had to push to the end, so it was quite a difficult challenge.”

The Dutch team lost their fourth member Stephen Hazeleger, who was one of 13 athletes to come to grief on the cross-country. Fortunately, their other three team members achieved fast and clear cross-country rounds to put them well ahead of the rest of the field going into the final phase. Although they had a 25-penalty margin ahead of USA in second, the pressure was still on with all three athletes’ scores to count in the jumping phase, who held onto their nerves as well as first place.

There was further pressure on the result this year, as the Series takes on extra significance as the last chance to earn a single Team slot to Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Five of the nations competing are not yet qualified, including The Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Austria. The FEI Eventing European Championship at Pin du Haras (FRA) this August and the 2023 Pan American Games at Santiago (CHI) in October will provide further chances for nations to qualify.

Like many other nations who are not yet qualified, the Dutch selected a more experienced team on good horses. Their sole objective this season is Olympic Qualification, explains Blom-Hulsman. “There is not a bigger motivator than Paris. We stand up every morning just pushing for Paris and we will keep pushing until we are there, for sure.”

Heffernen reinforced this notion: “We have two Nations Cup competitions coming up in the next few weeks, one in France and one in Switzerland, and of course there is the European Championships, so we are concentrating on those three competitions now, so hopefully we can repeat this performance.”

The FEI Eventing Nations Cup will now move to Haras de Jardy (FRA) which runs from 13-16 July. The Belgians lead the Series at this halfway stage, with a total of 350 points, whilst the Dutch now move up to second with 285 points. The Series concludes in Boekelo (NED) from 4-8 October, where the final team place for the Paris Olympics will be allocated to the highest placed nations not already qualified.

FULL RESULTS

by Eleanore Kelly

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