Charlotte Dujardin breaks the Grand Prix world record in Lyon!

« I was speechless », Charlotte Dujardin smiled when asked about her impression about her first World Cup Final. « I’m so lucky to have such a horse. Wherever I go, he wants to perform although I was worried about this big arena. The first day here he was very, very hot and I thought he might be on edge today, but when he goes down the centre line he does his job so I can ride to near-maximum. I wanted to enjoy it, Carl (Hester, her trainer) gave me my instructions and I had just one blip in the piaffe so I was very happy with him (Valegro) » said the British rider.

World Cup title holder Germany’s Helen Langehanenberg took second with Damon Hill on 83,343%. « He loves to go to shows and the more people there are, the happier he is » she said. « Dami was a bit excited and really wanted to passage. I felt more and more energy and didn’t know which direction that could go in » Helen explained when asked why their final stop was so early.

The Netherlands’ Edward Gal scored 79,957% and took the third place with Glock’s Undercover. Judge at C and today’s Ground Jury President, Germany’s Evi Eisenhardt, described today’s class as « one of the best competiitons I have ever judged, with a great top line and a good midfield ».  A thrilling conclusion to the FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final is expected tomorrow when the deciding Freestyle starts at 01:30 pm local time in Lyon. 

Rankings

1. Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) - Valegro (87,129%)
2. Helen Langehenenberg (ALL) - Damon Hill NRW (83,343%)
3. Edward Gal (NED) - Glock's Undercover (80,029%)
4. Tinne Vilhelmson Silfven (SWE) - Don Auriello (75,086%)
5. Isabell Werth (GER) - El Santo NRW (74,186%)
6. Hans-Peter Minderhoud (NED) - Glock's Johnson (73,771%)
7. Danielle Heijkoop (NED) - Kingsley Siro (72,857%)
8. Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (GER) - Unee BB (72,686%)
9. Marc Boclet (FRA) - Noble Dream Concept Sol (71,814%)
10. Inessa Merkulova (RUS) - Mister X (71,057%)

Click HERE to see the full results