Gambrinus and Escapado open for Britain

British team substitute Peter Storr flourished in the graveyard slot on the first day of the dressage Nations Cup (CDIO) at Aachen, Germany to score 67.167% with Pinky Heintz’s chestnut stallion Gambrinus.

The former British national champion was first to go in the class and pulled out a tidy and accurate grand prix test with just a couple of minor glitches. The partnership was a late team inclusion after Emma Hindle became unable to compete following a minor injury close to Wie Weltmeyer’s eye. Treatment with topical anti-inflammatories could have resulted in a positive test for a prohibited substance for the stallion, which prevented the partnership from competing.

Carl Hester and Escapado, in their first international outing since March, scored a solid 66.083%, although there were moments when Escapado’s excitement could have boiled over.

Taking the lead in the first day of the two-day grand prix class was the US’s Debbie McDonald and Brentina. The pair scored a massive 74.167% in an emotional and harmonious display, marking Brentina’s return from last year’s operation for a breathing problem and a recent tendon injury which prevented the pair from defending their World Cup title. Denmark’s Per Sandgaard and Zancor are currently in second place.

Tomorrow, Richard Davison (Ballaseyr Royale) and Nicola McGivern (Active Walero) will ride for Britain. Both pairings were in the European bronze medal-winning British team at Hickstead last summer.

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