FEI World Cup Finals, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
PATRIK KITTEL won the World Cup Final at the ninth time of asking, riding Touchdown. The freestyle went to the wire, as the top three were drawn last – and split by just 0.26% in the final reckoning.
But the Swede’s James Bond routine stole the show, with Denmark’s Nanna Skodborg Merrald second aboard Blue Hors Don Olymbrio, and Germany’s Isabell Werth third on DSP Quantaz.
Patrik remembered being a spectator when his now trainer Louise Natthorst won the World Cup Final 26 years ago.
“I couldn’t believe how cool the World Cup was – and now I’ve won it myself,” said Patrik. “It makes me cry! I’ve done so many World Cup Finals, so better late than never.”
But there was drama when the favourite Lottie Fry’s ride Everdale was eliminated under the blood rule. The runaway grand prix winners were drawn first from the final quartet, but the steward stopped them shortly after they entered the stadium.
The packed stands were treated to three contrasting tests in this climax. Nanna tried out her new sombre, dramatic music for Don Olymbrio. At times the 16-year-old looked a trifle tight but he was pinpoint accurate and proved how relaxed he was as he wandered out on a loose rein lapping up the applause. They blasted into the lead, held for a long time by
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 25, 2024-Ausgabe von Horse & Hound.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 25, 2024-Ausgabe von Horse & Hound.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
