German Beatrice Buchwald and Swedish Michelle Hagman dominated the international big tour classes held at the 2016 CDI Donaueschingen in Germany, on 16 - 18 September 2016. The competition was the final station for the German national developing Prix St Georges and Grand Prix horse qualifiers, but the 4* CDI leg drew an interesting and mixed field of riders.
The Grand Prix was judged by Christoph Umbach (LUX), Adriaan Hamoen (NED), Dietrich Plewa (GER), Gustaf Svalling (SWE), and Kerstin Holthaus (GER) and they scored Beatrice Buchwald on countess Amely von Buchholtz' 15-year old Hanoverian Daily Pleasure (by De Niro x Ehrenmarsch) the highest. Isabell Werth's stable jockey Buchwald, who took over the reins on Daily Pleasure from Holga Finken a year ago, scored 73.240% with marks ranging from 71.700 to 75.300%. Swedish Michelle Hagman was right on her heels and scored exactly the same mark, 73.240%, but ranked second aboard her 11-year old Hanoverian mare Happiness (by Hochadel x Walt Disney). Fabienne Lutkemeier and the talented 9-year old Bavarian bred Fabregaz (by Florestano x Ragazzo) were close as well with a third place finish on 73.020%.
In the Grand Prix Special the roles were reversed. Hagman and Hans Rueben's chestnut mare Happiness scored 74.843%, a personal best score which will certainly draw the attention of the Swedish team selectors. The 30-year old Michelle Hagman is an assistant trainer at Sabine Rueben's yard and has recently received the ride on several of Gestut Sprehe's stallion, including the popular Trakehner Millennium. The 26-year old Fabienne Lutkemeier and Fabregaz also stepped up to the plate and improved on their performance in the Grand Prix. With a 74.098% Special score they were second. Buchwald and Daily Pleasure slotted in third with 73.961%.
"He was afraid of the many umbrella's but I'm totally happy that Fabregaz was able to focus so well in the test," said Lutkemeier.
Photos © Karl Heinz Frieler
Related Links
Scores: 2016 CDI Donaueschingen
Sammy Davis Jr Wins Final 2016 Louisdor Cup Qualifier in Donaueschingen
Eight Already Qualified for 2016 Louisdor Cup Finals, Last Trial at 2016 CDI Donaueschingen