Home riders shine in Spanish Sunshine Tour

Home rider Rafel Soto and his stunning Andalucian stallion, Invasor, were invincible in the major classes of the Spanish Sunshine Tour, taking the grand prix and special by large margins.

The British dressage contingent also finished off in good form, with Sarah Millis scoring 66.38% to head a strong field in an amateur class on her Dutch-bred eight-year-old, Korenbloem Lothar, on whom she also collected third place in another class.

Sarah’s top ride, Ludo, also performed well at this final show of this series, finishing fifth on one small tour class, fourth in the intermediaire I on 64.42% and also collecting fourth place after scoring 66.35% in the prix st georges.

Emma Hindle and Wie Weltmeyer were the best British performers ineighth place in the grand prix, while Laura Richardson’s good test on Millenium was rewarded by 65.67% and sixth place in the special.

In the big tour intermediaire II, the honours again went to Spain in the shape of Ignacio Rambla and Distinguido.

A super performance from Emma Hindle and Lillemarkens Arkibald saw them score 63.17% for fourth place, with French judge Alain Francqueville considering them good enough for second spot.