Hickstead CDIO
The Netherlands’ Alex van Silfhout took today’s special in addition to yesterday’s grand prix at Hickstead CDIO, West Sussex.
Alex rode Luxform’s Nimbly and produced an expressive test for 71.2% — their passage was consistently awarded eights and nines by the judges.
Alex said: “My horse feels really confident here at Hickstead. He can get tight and tense, but when he’s relaxed like this he does some really good work.”
Alex will try for a hat-trick in tomorrow’s grand prix kür.
“Our music is quiet but it fits the horse very well and we have scored 77% with this freestyle,” said Alex.
Yesterday’s second-placed rider, Frank Freund, had a difficult time on an uncooperative Amoucheur and was eliminated after several disobediences.
Maria Eilberg was best of the British contingent in seventh on Two Sox, just ahead of Stephanie Croxford and Mr President.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Gareth Hughes continues his run of success with wife Rebecca Patmore’s Sandman, who took his first ever freestyle, the intermediaire, with 74.1%.
“Sandman’s been incredible all week. He was lacking a bit of petrol today but was still very elastic in his way of going and getting really positive comments from the judges,” said Gareth.
Spencer Wilton is making a comeback with Dolendo and won the CDI grand prix special ahead of Richard Barrett and Alcatraz who took the CDI grand prix.
Garry Williams and Showmaker triumphed in the Prestige Five-Year-Old International Young Horse final, going ahead of Carl Hester’s Valegro ridden by Charlotte Dujardin.
For a full report and pictures from dressage at Hickstead don’t miss Horse&Hound 2 August
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Sarah has worked at an equestrian journalist and editor since 2004 and has held the position of Horse & Hound Editor-in-Chief since 2014. She has reported for Horse & Hound from major championships including Europeans and World Equestrian Games. She has co-written books on horses and horse sport including The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horses & Ponies. She has owned and ridden horses since 1993, and worked for and trained with Olympic gold medallist event rider Leslie Law prior to going to university. While studying for a BSc at London School of Economics Sarah also worked for top British dressage rider Louise Spate.