World Dressage Championships results: Patrik Kittel

Sweden’s Patrick Kittel brought the drama with a spectacular Bond-themed freestyle aboard Touchdown at the Blue Hors World Dressage Championships. Their score of 83.68% put the pair into the provisional lead in the World Dressage Championships results table.

But their reign was short-lived, with next to go Gareth Hughes and Classic Briolinca shooting to the top of the leaderboard with a huge new personal best of 84.04%.

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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.

‘It’s about being at one with your horse and enjoying yourself’: Bond fan brings the drama on World Championships freestyle night

The partnership entered at collected walk, building the suspense through the choreography matched seamlessly with their dramatic soundtrack.

“I loved it, the music is fantastic – Skyfall it’s a little bit of everything from Daniel Craig’s [films as Bond], so it’s Skyfall, Casino Royale, No Time To Die, Spectre, but it’s not the customised James Bond,” said Patrik.

While Herning marks the first senior championship for the 10-year-old Quarterback gelding, owned by Sommarkvarn AB, Patrick brings with him a wealth of experience and medals, with Herning marking his fourth World Championship appearance.

He added it felt “unbelievable” to ride in that stadium

“I had one small mistake, but to be really honest, to ride in here, and this audience. It is next level,” he said.

“I think they’re supportive of everybody. I wasn’t even nervous going into it. I just wanted to ride, to make people have a good time. That’s what it’s about, you know, being one with your horse and enjoying yourself.”

Patrick’s team-mate Therese Nilshagen and the 15-year-old Dante Weltino OLD impressed with a new freestyle for these championships.

“I had such a great feeling coming into the arena. I have a new freestyle which got ready just in time, so I thought – why not use it, no point in saving it for later,” said Therese, who scored 83.05%.

Denmark’s team gold medallist Carina Cassøe Krüth received a warm welcome from the home crowd for her performance with Heiline’s Danciera, receiving a score of 82.14% from the judges.

“First of all, the Danish audience is amazing, they know us, they love us and they know we are more than ok with them clapping and cheering for us,” said Carina, who rode to the sound of music from Dirty Dancing and Fame, with the crowd clapping them along the final centre line.

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