Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro post new freestyle world record at Olympia
Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro produced a faultless performance to win the Reem Acra FEI World Cup freestyle dressage to music, supported by Horse & Hound, at the London International Horse Show at Olympia.
In front of a packed crowd, the British partnership scored 93.975% to claim the final world record that had, until now, eluded them. The previous record of 92.30% was set by Edward Gal and Totilas at Olympia in 2009.
Charlotte said: “I came here thinking the world record was what I wanted to do — thinking it and doing it is something else. I had the ride of my life.
“I’m so lucky to have Valegro. I’d like to thank Roly Luard [Valegro’s co-owner] and Carl [Hester, co-owner] for letting me ride such a great horse. This is the best Christmas present.”
Charlotte and Valegro already held the records for the grand prix (85.94% at the European Championships in Herning, Denmark 2013) and the grand prix special (88.022% at Hagen in Germany, April 2012).
Former freestyle world champion Edward Gal was at Olympia to see his world record broken. He finished 2nd with Glock’s Undercover (87.425%), with his Dutch compatriot Danielle Heijkoop taking 3rd with Kingsley Siro (80.625%).
Britain’s Michael Eilberg finished 4th on Half Moon Delphi with a personal best score of 78.7%.
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The packed Olympia house also enjoyed the official retirement ceremony of Mistral Hojris, who was ridden by his long-standing partner Laura Tomlinson.
Replay H&H Live written commentary service.
Read Horse & Hound’s full Olympia report in the magazine, on sale Saturday 28 December due to Christmas
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.