Anna Sandmann (GER) with her horses Fredie U, Harley, Iwan Van De Martha Hoeve Texel, and Max Van Het Rodeland – © FEI/Martin Dokoupil
After the first day of competition of the FEI Driving World Championship Four-in-Hand in Szilvásvárad (HUN), Germany’s Anna Sandmann took the lead on 40.99 after a polished test, which pleased all the judges, ahead of her father Christoph Sandmann, who closed the late morning session on 46.78. Both were coached ahead of their tests in the warmup arena by current World Champion Boyd Exell (AUS).
As a member of the Hungarian team that won the nation’s last gold in Kecskemét in 2004, József Dobrovitz was last to go on the opening day. He delighted the home crowd with a return to form score of 51.38 to take third place. Only a slight deviation in his final walk movement detracted from what was otherwise a well-rewarded test.
Joining him on the national team is his son József Jnr, who opened the second session of the morning with a solid mark of 57.44 for eighth place. Keeping the host’s hopes alive of a return to the podium, father and son have put the team into the lead overnight, although only they the French had two drivers compete on day one.
The Dutch challenge for a 12th gold team medal started well with Koos de Ronde finishing fourth on 51.91. His long-legged Dutch Warmbloods produced a consistent test, but they are marathon specialists and their strength lies in the fast times they clock through the obstacles. Another marathon maestro and the first of the German team to drive, Michael Brauchle slotted just behind in fifth with 52.77.
Hosts Hungary also have six individuals, and they included Ferenc Galbács Jnr and István Váczi, who are based at the Stud Farm and drove teams of Lipizzaners to finish 11th on 59.83 and 16th on 62.16. Hungary also fielded the youngest athlete of the event with 18-year-old Peter Juhász, who already has international experience as a young driver and is now supported by the Hungarian Military.
In the team competition, France’s Maxime Maricourt scored 57.30 for seventh, and the experienced Benjamin Aillaud with his Lusitano horses scored 57.90 for ninth. Of the two Americans, veteran driver James Fairclough made a return to the world stage after the team gold at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon (USA) six years ago. Driving Dutch Warmbloods, one of which belongs to teammate Chester Weber, his mark of 60.23 put him into twelfth.
Judge Barry Capstick said afterwards: “Anna Sandmann did a fabulous test, and her father wasn’t far behind her! The venue is tremendous, the surface is good, and for a Thursday, what a great attendance in the stands. Everything about it so far is super.”
At an event and venue where the passion for driving and sense of history is everywhere, the morning session opened with 73-year-old legend Lászlό Juhász as test driver. It was a special appearance as he was a member of the winning team 40 years ago when Szilvásvárad last hosted a Four-in-Hand World Championship.
Friday’s first morning session opens with Wieslaw Sadowski for Poland, followed by current European Champion Bram Chardon (NED). In the second session, Chester Weber (USA) promises to produce another winning test, but come the afternoon, Boyd will pull the stops out to set himself up for his 7th consecutive title.
Dressage supremo Mareike Harm for the German team is also likely to be in the top three with a sub-40 mark. Ijsbrand Chardon (NED), who has competed at more World Championships than anyone else, is also in the final session of the day. But there’s no doubt that the home crowds will be eagerly awaiting 2004 champion and Hungarian hero Zόltan Lázár, who rounds off the second morning session.
by Sarah Dance