Anky van Grunsven (NED) and Salinero are the new World Dressage Freestyle Champions with a breathtaking result of 86.5%. A much deserved and applauded silver medal goes to Denmark’s Andreas Helgstrand
and his grey nine-year old mare Blue Hors Matine (81,5%). The winner of yesterday’s Grand Prix Special Isabell Werth on Satchmo takes the bronze (80.75 %).
Tonight’s Freestyle to Music test took place in the main Aachen arena in front of almost 60,000 spectators. All 15 competitors who rode in this competition were acclaimed, lauded and saluted by loud applause and appreciative cheer. This unique atmosphere will no doubt remain one of the memorable features of the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games.
But let us come back to tonight’s fantastic sport.
Salinero had no doubt had a difficult week, “but it’s good to start with the downs and end with the ups,” a joyful Anky said. “It is a dream that has come true.” And what a dream that was! Horse and rider were one evolving gracefully to movements of the highest precision. Their dance to the music of Edith Piaf’s “Non, je ne regrette rien”, part of L’Esprit Chanson arranged by the Dutch duo Cees Slings and Victor Kerkhof, was a display of perfect harmony. No, they had no regrets at all.
And Anky had no regrets either for not winning yesterday’s Grand Prix Special. “How boring and bad for the sport would it be if the result was known in advance and remained always the same. I couldn’t have done any better yesterday and I’m happy I won today as I’ve always loved to perform to music.”
Andreas Helgstrand has proved the greatest revelation of this Championship. He put on a spectacular performance and the spectators could not help but clap in rhythm with his lovely passages and piaffes. Daily hard work has turned his young mare into a champion and, despite the great value she now bears, there is no way he can be parted from her.
Isabell Werth’s goal of the night had been to show a good test. She had had her starry moment yesterday and tonight she made every effort to keep the horse with her as much as possible. It may be a bit early for Satchmo to go for a great Kür yet. Success is built gradually and much will come after this week’s remarkable result.
All three riders expressed their satisfaction with the new medal formula according to which separate Individual medals are awarded for the Grand Prix Special and the Freestyle tests. It keeps the pressure throughout the competition and makes it more exciting. Every test is given its true value; every test is a new challenge and the pressure does not subside until the final salute. This innovation introduced by the FEI Dressage is proving a winning formula.
And last but not least, a special tribute should be paid to the horses. The over excited Aachen crowd is not an easy challenge and tonight they all stood by their riders. Ears forward, focused, going for a victory.
Tonight in Aachen horsesport was at its very best.
-- FEI Press Release
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