Charlotte Dujardin and Imhotep continued their preparations for the Paris Olympics by profitable the CDI3* grand prix (79.89%) and grand prix particular (77.64%) on the Wellington Worldwide Competition of Dressage (4-11 June).
Wellington will play a key position within the last selections of the selectors for Paris. There aren’t any extra dwelling internationals scheduled between now and the particular entries choice assembly on or round 17 June.
Charlotte and Imhotep look to be shoo-ins for a workforce spot. And as mixtures throughout Europe race to impress selectors, their scores evaluate favourably to different medal contenders.
Charlotte Dujardin on Imhotep: “You don’t need to do your greatest check now”
Imhotep’s grand prix rating at Wellington was larger than Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Dalera’s 78.64% at this weekend’s German Dressage Championships (6–9 June) and Lottie Fry and Glamourdale’s 78.94% on the latest Aachen Dressage Days CDI3* (21–22 Could).
After all, it’s tough to match scores from completely different units of judges, however the truth 5 judges at Wellington may even be a part of the judging panel for the Olympic dressage competitors in Paris ought to give Charlotte trigger for optimism.
“I’m 100% saving one thing for Paris,” stated Charlotte. “He’s a scorching horse however he stayed with me and was so rideable – and he’s nonetheless enhancing.
“This can be a crucial competitors pre-Paris, particularly having 5 Olympic judges right here. It’s good to see the place we’re, to peak on the proper time. You don’t need to do your greatest check now.”
Errors in each units of tempi adjustments introduced Charlotte’s rating down within the particular, however that didn’t appear to concern her an excessive amount of.
“I had just a few errors however that’s what at present’s for, to shine it up for Paris,” she stated.
Carl Hester: “I haven’t had time to practise it”
Carl Hester and Fame additionally tightened their grip on a workforce spot by coming second within the grand prix (77.46%) and profitable the freestyle (83.94%) – wherein Carl debuted a brand new floorplan.
“I have to get my timing proper to the music, however I haven’t had time to practise it,” Carl stated. “I used to be virtually educating him within the warm-up!
“I’m not a music specialist, however that is actually enjoyable. It has a French feeling and I assumed, ‘If I ever get to Paris, that is what I’m taking place the final centre line to’.”
Carl was additionally third within the grand prix (71.78%) and second within the particular (74.15%) on En Vogue.
The 15-year-old former Olympic workforce bronze medal winner now seems set to play backup to his youthful stablemate once more – in a repeat of the battle that performed out between them for European choice final yr.
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