BURGHLEY runners-up David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed put their winter dressage training into action to win their opening run of the 2024 season.
The Badminton-bound pair scored 26.1 in the first phase in open intermediate (OI) section G, equal to Ros Canter and her Pau-winning ride Izilot DHI, and just shy of the 25.7 from dressage leaders Emily King and Valmy Biats.
David and the 13-year-old gelding, whom he owns with Gillian Jonas and Mary Fox, finished on their dressage score on every international start in 2023. But the last time they produced a sub-30 test was at Pau 2021, which makes their improvement in this first phase particularly noteworthy.
"It was lovely to be up there with Valmy Biats and Izilot DHI, who in the past he's been a few marks off," said David, who has been training with Adam Kemp and David Trott.
"Adam came to Oasby to warm me up it's great that he's got really stuck in with Galileo and some of the other horses this winter, it's made a big difference." David added that Galileo has "always been a bit of a greyhound" so they have been working on finding his inner weightlifter and bulking up his topline, along with improving suppleness.
"Cross-country was great and he was very enthusiastic.
I thought I had the handbrake on, but he still cantered around for just 6.4 time-faults," he said.
It was one of the quickest times of the day in Thursday's intermediate sections, which proved a happy hunting ground for David. The Wiltshire rider also finished third aboard Captain Tiger Tilly, with Emily and Valmy Biats sandwiched between David's horses in second. David also claimed fourth place in OI section F aboard Kenzo Power B.
Two runs in quick succession paid off for Will Rawlin's OI winner Ballycoog Breaker Boy.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Better judges' cover a must to protect the sport's future
A group insurance option has been found to protect the officials showing needs but only if enough sign up
IVF with frozen sperm is a 'milestone' in equine breeding
The first successful use of frozen semen in the technique has been recorded in an American study
Challenging ourselves to be and do better for our horses
The 2024 FEI general assembly heard how we should all challenge ourselves to give horses the best lives possible
Scottish jockeys to benefit from fund's top services
A new centre in Galashiels has been built thanks to a legacy donation
How horse simulators could help encourage people into riding
It is hoped the new model will help break down barriers to the sector for a wide range of people
Many horses' needs aren't met: study finds chance to improve
Researchers say all must ensure horses have space, friends, forage and good experiences
Humble pie
How many ladies does it take to cook a shepherd's pie? It’s a complicated one, says Tessa Waugh, on a quest to find appropriate ovens for the impending hunt auction dinner
I love an underdog
The arrival of the winter mud brings with it a Venetia Williams hat-trick, but the day belongs to a warrior gelding, who never stops trying”
Jumping Jack cracks it
A scopey grey is learning to be quick” anda broodmare makes up for lost time
A star is born
A nine-year-old mare helps put Luxembourg on the map and we celebrate a remarkable grey’s comeback
