Hester shines on the sunshine tour
Carl Hester strengthened his claim on a place in the British Olympic dressage squad with top class performances in Spain at the weekend. Escapado impressed the tour’s international judges to win both the grand prix and grand prix special with 70-plus percentages.
Carl’s good form has been extended to the small tour as well, with a second place in the prix st georges and third in the intermediarre I with Santa.
Other British riders of note include Laura Richardson, who has made a successful return to international competition with Millenium, scoring 63.62% in the grand prix, while Britain’s young riders have also been enjoying success with a win for Nicki Patrick and fourth place for Rebecca Greenwood.
Jo Bagnall of British Dressage told HHO: “We are delighted that our riders are being successful in Spain. Percentages are crucial when it comes to being selected for the team, so Carl’s current form will stand him in good stead.”
The final competitions of the Spanish Sunshine Tour will take place this coming weekend.
Meanwhile in Germany, Emile Faurie and Wayne Channon were flying the British flag in competition against some of the world’s best riders, including the current world champion Debbie McDonald.
Emile Faurie and Lucky Star scored 66.58% in the grand prix qualifier for the kür before scoring 67.02% in the kür. Germany’s Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff riding Wahajama-Unicef won both classes with 71.38% in the grand prix and 77.42% in the kür, ahead of Isabell Werth and Anthony FRH.
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Wayne Channon and Lorenzo scored 65.33% in the grand prix qualifier for the grand prix special, with Emile Faurie (Livello) finishing on 64.04%. World Cup champion Debbie McDonald and Brentina won the class with a score of 74.21%. Emile also rode Fididas into third place in the prix st georges scoring 68.42%.
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.