German Olympic gold medallist Isabell Werth has won the opening leg of the 2010/11 Reem Acra FEI World Cup dressage series at Odense, Denmark (24 October), riding Satchmo.
“Today, Satchmo had the right mixture of power and relaxation,” said Isabell, who was last to go into the arena.
Denmark’s Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein and Digby were the ones to beat with a personal-best freestyle score of 80.05%, delighting the home crowds — at one point, the commentator had to request that they settle down.
But, after being beaten by Nathalie the previous day in the grand prix, Isabell clinched her victory with 81.1%.
This left Nathalie in second spot, with the Netherlands’ Hans Peter Minderhoud third with IPS Tango.
British dressage rider Anna Ross Davies rode the Bowles family’s Pegasus MK for 68.45% and 12th place.
The second leg of the series takes place in Lyon, France, on Friday (29 October).
Results
1. SATCHMO Isabell Werth (GER) 81.1%
2. DIGBY Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein (DEN) 80.05%
3. IPS TANGO Hans Peter Minderhoud (NED) 77.2%
12. PEGASUS MK Anna Ross Davies (GBR) 68.45%
