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
Denne historien er fra April 25, 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.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra April 25, 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.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Super Sonic steps up
Oakley Nash lands a 128cm double with \"wild\" project pony and a determined 138cm rider is in flying form
Townend takes two
A familiar face and a potential future star triumph for Oliver Townend, as the eventing season gets under way
Last-minute dash ends in triumph
A change of plan leads to victory and a home-bred star proves that talent runs in the family
William's the Lad
It's back-to-back victories in the hunt race he sponsors for a delighted – and generous – William Fox Grant
Saving Britain's in-hand show tradition
Kim Wilson investigates how Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain is tackling the decline of in-hand classes and working to secure the future of youngstock
'This unspoilt hunting heaven
A visit by the RS Surtees Society to Northumberland provides a showcase for the Percy hounds and their hunting country
Local hero is all heart
A Borders team lifts Scotland's richest hurdle for the second year with a gutsy six-year-old and a £1,000 purchase richly rewards a patient owner
Access all areas Gavin Cromwell
The former farrier is sending his strongest team of Cheltenham Festival runners yet. Jennifer Donald meets the team behind a remarkable success story
Saffron Cresswell
The young event rider, who suffered a serious spinal injury in a fall last year, talks to Pippa Roome about her journey so far and what the future holds
Daphne
This contrary mare may spin like a top and be uncatchable in the summer, but she's \"terrifyingly brave\" and absolutely brilliant in the hunting field
