Patrik Kittel and the Oatley family's Swedish warmblood gelding Toy Story (by Come Back II x Concorde) skipped to victory in the Grand Prix at the World Cup Qualifier in Gothenburg, Sweden, on Friday 24 February 2012. Kittel and his 12-year old second Grand Prix horse placed first unanimously with a total of 75.021%.
The Gothenburg Grand Prix was judged by O-judges Tornblad, Rockwell and Ernes flanked by Swedish judges Svalling and Fransén-Iacobaeus. Seventeen combinations travelled to raint Gothenburg for final Western European League World Cup Qualifier before the 2012 World Cup Finals in 's Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands, on 18 - 22 April 2012.
Patrik Kittel and Toy Story led the pack which put him in an excellent position for the Kur to Music, which is scheduled for Saturday evening 25 February.
"One can always hope for a good round but you never know with horses so I always expect something to happen," said a content Kittel after his Grand Pirix victory. "Competing in Sweden always makes me extra nervous because I don't want to disappoint the audience."
"Despite feeling a little 'on it' in the electric atmosphere that is Goteborg, Toy remained focused throughout the test whilst stil keeping an eye on the surroundings," Kittel added.
Danish Lone Jorgensen and her 10-year old Baden Wurttemberger bred gelding De Vito (by De Niro x Disco-Stern) have been improving with each show the past month and by placing second in the Gothenburg Grand Prix with a personal best score of 72.234% they have established themselves as firm contenders for an Olympic berth.
"Hulle (De Vito) is the best," said an ecstatic Jorgensen, who lives in Germany. "Second place with a new high score. This creates perspective for tomorrow."
British Richard Davison and Lady Derby's Westfalian gelding Hiscox Artemis (by Florestan x Delphi) are also consolidating their form as solid 70% scoring pair. The duo completed the top three with 70.298%. Davison is also seeking British Olympic selection but faces stiff competition from Emile Faurie, who won the Grand Prix today at the 2012 CDI Vidauban in the South of France.
Photo © Ridehesten.com
Related Links
Scores 2012 CDI-W Gothenburg
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2012 World Cup