‘I’m delighted with him’: unstoppable duo triumph in inter I at the Winter Dressage Championships

Gracie Catling and 18-year-old Qwinton showed their quality to win the prestigious Superflex inter I gold at the NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships (15–19 April) at Addington Equestrian.

This follows their victory in the Magic prix st georges freestyle gold yesterday (16 April).

Gracie and her own 18-year-old Quarterback son topped the podium with 70.833%. The pair’s best marks came for their extended paces and their final halt earned 8s and 9s.

“I’m delighted with him,” said Gracie. “He felt hot to ride today, which I wasn’t expecting; he came off the lorry fresh.”

Despite being “ready and raring to go”, Qwinton “managed to keep the lid on” to produce the winning test.

“He brings so much sass into his work and he’s so jolly as he goes around,” continued Gracie. “He’s always got his ears pricked and his tail swinging, and he just absolutely loves his work.”

As reported yesterday, “Twix” has overcome his share of health issues in the past, including laminitis. Thanks to Gracie’s care, the gelding has returned after four years off stronger than ever, and now far eclipses his former medium level career.

“The most important thing to us is to keep him sweet and happy,” said Gracie. “Every time you get on, you can feel his enthusiasm, and that’s the best feeling.

“We’ll keep doing what we’re doing. We know he’s got plenty more ability, but he’s happy at this level.”

“It’s been a while since I’ve won anything, so to win two titles feels amazing,” she said. “It’s such a surprise.”

The pair will perform again tomorrow (18 April) in the Superflex inter I freestyle gold, so they could yet make it a hat trick.

“I’m so delighted with him so far, so anything he does tomorrow is a bonus,” Gracie added.

Claire Abel on her own GF Sezuki, a 12-year-old mare by Sezuan, came second with 70.29%. Sarah Wilkinson riding Jazz mare Horacia finished in third with 68.78%.

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