Michael Eilberg and Woodlander Farouche win in Austria

Michael Eilberg and Woodlander Farouche won the prix st georges at the CDI4* Schindlhof in Fritzens, Austria today (Friday 26 June).

The pair impressed with a flawless test which was awarded 76.5% — more than 4% ahead of second-placed combination Wibke Bruns and Donna Caribica.

This is Michael’s first visit to Fritzens.

“The test felt really good with no real mistakes,” he said.

“This show is amazing and the view is incredible. I told my dad that I have to be careful when I go down the centre line and don’t look at the mountains instead of concentrating on the test.”

It’s been a busy week for Michael. On Thursday 18 June Michael and Woodlander Farouche cruised to victory in the Equestrian.com invitational inter I freestyle at the Ashford Farm Bolesworth International.

Their score of 77.62% put them more than 3.5% clear of second-placed Laura Tomlinson.

Then on Sunday (21 June) Michael broke the news that his European bronze medal-winning partner Half Moon Delphi had been sold to the US.

The British-bred 13-year-old Dimaggio x Westwall mare Half Moon Delphi was sold to Bob Price for the American rider Sarah Daehnert with Rio in mind.

And on Tuesday (23 June) H&H revealed that Michael had acquired the ride on another superstar, the €2.31million (£1.6m) auction horse, Sa Coeur.

The Oldenburg gelding, who is by the Sandro Hit son Sir Donnerhall out of a Don Davidoff mare, was sold at the high profile December 2012 PSI Auction in Germany and is now at the Eilberg’s Worcestershire yard.

Meanwhile, Carl Hester has unfortunately had to withdraw from the big tour at Fritzens as his ride Wanadoo got a foot abscess after arriving in Austria.

Wanadoo, formerly ridden by owner Coral Ingham, has only had one outing so far under new rider Carl Hester.

The pair competed at the grand prix qualifier at Somerford Premier League scoring 71.4% to win.

Carl said: “I’m so sorry for him and his owners and he was so on form.”

For full report don’t miss next week’s issue of H&H — out Thursday 2 July.

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