Steffen Peters of the United States successfully defended his World Dressage Masters Palm Beach title on Saturday evening when he rode Ravel to his second consecutive Grand Prix Freestyle win. But it wasn't an easy victory. British challengers Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro came within five one hundredths of a percentage point of toppling Peters from the center of the podium.
"I had a great night with Ravel, but I watched Charlotte after our ride," said Peters after the awards ceremony. "When she came out of the ring I went over and said to her, 'I think you've won it.' It is exciting to be that close to another of the world's top horses and riders."
Peters and Akiko Yamazaki's 14 year old KWPN gelding had received a score of 83.7%, which kept them ahead of Dujardin and Valegro, a ten year old KWPN gelding owned by Carl Hester and Roly Luard, by the tiniest of margins; the British pair received 83.65% for their performance.
"I had a great ride," said Dujardin. "Yesterday Valegro was a little bit too hot and I was hanging on for dear life, but he dealt with the atmosphere really well tonight."
Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfvén of Sweden rode Antonia Ax:son Johnson's 13 year old Rhinelander gelding Favourit to 78.250% and third place from the FEI ground jury consisting of Stephen Clarke (GBR), Wim Ernes (NED), Isabelle Judet (FRA), Gary Rockwell (USA) and Lois Yukins (USA).
Saturday night's completely sold out evening at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center was an unqualified success by all accounts. "This is the place in the world where it happens," said Antonia Ax:son Johnson of Axel Johnson Group, presenting sponsor of the World Dressage Masters, which is the richest and most prestigious dressage series in the world.
"We brought nine horses to Florida last year, and we found it's the most wonderful place for horses and riders. We now have a farm of our own here and are residents in Wellington.
Close to 2,000 people filled the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center to capacity to watch some of the world's best dressage horses and riders perform their Grand Prix Freestyles to music. Spectators were treated to a half time laser light show from GoodWray Productions, which also provided an unprecedented level of High Definition live stream coverage which was viewed by thousands of people around the world.
Photos © Sue Stickle - Mary Phelps/Phelpsphotos.com
Related Links
Scores 2012 CDI West Palm Beach
Adrienne Lyle Wins Grand Prix Special in Debut Appearance at 2012 WDM Palm Beach
Peters Wins 2012 WDM Palm Beach Grand Prix with Personal Best Score