In 2021, the great Weihegold OLD enjoyed the final win of her dazzling career in the World Cup leg at Lyon with her long-term partner Isabell Werth. Five years – and one day – from that moment, her grandson Viva Gold OLD stepped into the same arena with the same rider to win his World Cup debut (30 October).
The 10-year-old, who is in his first year at international grand prix, headed the freestyle with a huge new personal best of 87.89% – more than two percent ahead of nearest rivals, European champions Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus (85.81%).
“Viva Gold was fantastic, I’m so proud of him,” said Isabell. “He has grown and developed enormously over the past months and weeks. He can really become an absolute top horse.”
Belgian riders filled the next three spots. Justin, who won Thursday’s grand prix with Zonik Plus, said the 10-year-old was a “little more tense” in the freestyle.
“We had a very good connection [in the grand prix]; today it was more difficult to find that connection. Of course, I am still very happy with second place behind Isabell,” he said.
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Larissa Pauluis and Flambeau completed the podium on a score of 80.53%.
“Flambeau is still getting better and better at the age of 16,” said Larissa. “He was not always an easy horse when he was younger but we keep building a better partnership every time. He was completely there for me today.”
The next leg of the dressage World Cup is at Stuttgart on 13-14 November.
Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.
![Isabell Werth [GER] & Viva Gold OLD winners of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Grand Prix Freestyle at the Longines Equita Lyon 2026, Lyon, France, 30th of October 2026. PC©FEI/Lukasz Kowalski](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7HmZJnERUni2gkNp4WhQhF-1920-80.jpg.webp)
