Carl Hester and Uthopia delighted the crowds at the Espayo British Dressage National Championships by winning both the Dyon grand prix and the Espayo freestyle titles to become national champion for a seventh time.
After scoring 76.55% in Saturday’s grand prix, the partnership reproduced their Olympic routine for a score of 81.50% — the first ever +80% score at the national championships.
“It’s been great to be able to bring ‘Uti’ here to support those who weren’t able to come to London, plus it was fantastic to be able to ride to Tom [Hunt]’s music once again,” said Carl.
“I’m so pleased with the test today – I stayed in time with the music unlike London where I seemed to be either too fast or too slow. He was really in super self-carriage today. He felt confident and even though there were a few mistakes, it was lovely.”
After also winning the prix st georges and intermediate I with Dances With Wolves, Carl now holds a total of 63 national titles.
Read H&H’s full 12-page report on all the action from the Espayo British Dressage National Championships in Thursday’s magazine (on sale 20 September, 2012)
2012 dressage champions
Centaur Position Perfect prelim champion: Daisy Coakley and Cleopatra II (72.12%)
Dodson & Horrell novice restricted champion: Heather Jeffers and Consult Ramiro (67.36%)
Dodson & Horrell novice open champion: Jo Hamilton and Corchapin (74.48%)
Stretch & Flex elementary restricted champion: Hannah Bates and Essentially M&S (69.38%)
Stretch & Flex elementary open champion: Lucy Cartwright and Samba Dancer (73.06%)
Dressage Deluxe medium restricted champion: Calum Whitworth and Ramazotti III (69.89%)
Dressage Deluxe medium open champion: Michael Eilberg and Half Moon Dynasty (72.11%)
Suregrow advanced medium restricted champion: Chloe Vell and Kaja Di Valentina (67.00%)
Suregrow advanced medium open champion: Laura Bechtolsheimer and Polar Bear (74.58%)
Winergy prix st georges: Carl Hester and Dances with Wolves (74.34%)
Dressage International intermediate I: Carl Hester and Dances with Wolves (73.34%)
Dressage International intermediate I freestyle: Isobel Wessels and Chagall (73.38%)
Dressage International intermediate I champion: Isobel Wessels and Chagall
Horse Health intermediate II champion: Becky Moody and Caluna (68.92%)
Dyon grand prix: Carl Hester and Uthopia (76.55%)
Espayo grand prix freestyle: Carl Hester and Uthopia (81.50%)
British Dressage national champions: Carl Hester and Uthopia
Shearwater Potential International Dressage Horse Championship
Supreme champion: Becky Moody and Carinsio
Reserve champion: Daniel Sherif and Dance of Decadence
Four-year-old: Paul Hayler and Lonswelt
Five-year-old: Erik Theilgaard and Shadow Line
KBIS British Para Championship
Grade I: Anne Dunham and LJT Lucas Normark (69.75%)
Grade II: Erin Orford and Nirvana Morroko (73.97%)
Grade III: Nicky Thompson and Welt Santa Cruz (68.39%)
Grade IV: Annastasia Neale and Romanz in Dur (69.35%)
