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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'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
