THE grand prix freestyle was a close contest with 1% separating the top three - Ellie McCarthy and Brave Heart II, the current national champions Lewis Robertson-Carrier with Diego V and American Ashley Holzer on Hawtins San Floriana.
Ellie triumphed in the end with a programme featuring music from Kung Fu Panda created by Equidance.
"It's by far the best music I've ever had," enthused Ellie, who trains with Dylan Deutrom and Carl Hester.
"Massimo' came out fresh but 100% listened to everything I asked him. I got quite emotional on the final centre line. He's only 16hh and has the personality of a cheeky pony." International judge Peter Storr said: "The class wasn't big but the standard was high.
I had Brave Heart to win in the grand prix yesterday and I thought the passage and trot work were real highlights." The grand prix spoils were taken by Lewis with an assured performance from Diego.
"It wasn't as good as his test at the nationals but it was a nice clean test." Lewis said.
"The main thing is he got the marks where he needed them.
I feel that this year has been our best yet. He's established at grand prix and is coming into his power. His extended canter and tempi changes are now getting eights. I go to Carl Hester as often as I can and benefit from Kyra Kyrklund's immense wisdom at shows."
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Denne historien er fra October 10, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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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
