Werth wins and Gal glitters as Dressage Final line-up is decided in Den Bosch

by Louise Parkes

With the biggest smile on her face that said it all as she strutted down the centreline for the final time, defending series champion, Germany’s Isabell Werth (48), nailed her fourth win of the season at the last qualifier of the FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2017/2018 Western European League in ’s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands today. On an afternoon when many of the early starters were hampered by spooky moments in the ring, the second-half contestants really raised the bar and once Werth and Emilio took their turn when fifth-last to go, her score of 87.405 would be the winning one.

They weren’t the only partnerships to bring the crowd in the Brabanthalle to their feet however, as home runners Edward Gal (48) and Glock’s Zonik got the same treatment when slotting into second on 83.900 following a great test. And, last in, compatriot Madeleine Witte-Vrees (45) and Cennin posted 82.555 to demote Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (32) and Zaire-E to fourth place. The packed stadium of spectators enjoyed a real treat in the closing stages, but it was all about Isabell once again as she marches towards the 2018 FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final in Paris, France next month to chase down her second successive title and her fourth overall. 

She has rarely looked more happy and confident throughout the extraordinary career during which she has become the most medalled athlete in equestrian sport. And with two wins from her superstar Olympic ride Weihegold and another two from Emilio who was at his very best today, her horses are also in the form of their lives this winter. Weihegold of course is her first choice for the Final, but Werth was thrilled with the 12-year-old Emilio whose presence in the ring seems to grow with every outing. Pinned back to second place in Gothenburg, Sweden two weeks ago he stepped it up even more this afternoon.

“He certainly showed an improvement today, he was amazing, he felt like 90%!” Werth said.

Another with a big smile at the end of his ride was 2010 champion Gal who can’t help but be excited by the rapid development of his fabulous 10-year-old stallion, Zonic whose trot extensions drew gasps of delight from the crowd. 

“He’s improving so fast, this was only his third World Cup! There are a few little things that need improving, but he keeps surprising me!” the Dutchman said.

The 2018 Final will be another big test for this lovely young horse, and the Dutch are looking stronger by the day, with Witte-Vrees’ stallion Cennin still only 11 and also looking mature beyond his years. 

Today’s result has decided the Western European League qualifying spots for the Final which takes place from 11 to 15 April, where nine riders from six nations - Austria, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, Netherlands and Sweden - will do battle with the rest of the best in the world. Britain’s Emile Faurie just squeezed into equal-eighth place despite having to withdraw from today’s competition with his gelding, Lollipop.

Result: 1, Emilio 107 (Isabell Werth) GER 87.405; 2, Glock’s Zonik NOP (Edward Gal) NED 83.900; 3, Cennin (Madeleine Witte-Vrees) NED 82.555.

Full result here 

FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2017/2018 Western European League - Standings after Round 9 in ’s-Hertogenbosch (NED):

1. Patrik Kittel SWE - 74

2. Dorothee Schneider GER - 72

3. Jessica von Bredow-Werndl GER - 62

4. Madeleine Witte-Vrees NED - 56

5. Edward Gal NED - 55

6. Daniel Bachmann Andersen DEN- 54

6. Tinne Vilhelmson Silfven SWE - 54

8. Belinda Weinbauer AUT - 53

8. Emile Faurie GBR - 53 

Full standings here