The D1 Lamberts-Preis Dressage Grand Prix kicked off the two week long FEI European Championships in Aachen with 18 countries having entered teams, from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Ukraine.
The Netherlands' Diederik van Silfhout provided a worthy adversary to his German and British opposition today by topping the opening day with an impressive test score of 75.814, riding his horse, Arlando N.O.P.
Fiona Bigwood, representing Great Britain on Atterupgaards Orthilia, rode a beautiful test, despite an injury to her eye, posting a score of 75.800 and Jessica von Bredow-Werndl's (GER) score of 75.2 was strong enough to see her and the fantastic Unee BB settled in third, an excellent debut round for Jessica in a daunting and impressive stadium.
Germany Dressage Team Defend Title
Defending Dressage Team Gold Medallists, Germany, finished the day in a strong position, ahead of Thursday's Round Two. The host nation is hotly tipped to claim the Dressage team title for the 23rd time thanks to the efforts of team members Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Rolex Testimonee Isabell Werth. With Kristina Bröring-Sprehe and Matthias Alexander Rath still to ride tomorrow.
Jessica had a strong start for her debut Championship appearance with a score of 75.1 and Isabell Werth, who was last to go on Don Johnson secured a score of 74.8. The celebrated German dressage rider and Rolex Testimonee has helped her home nation win eight consecutive European team titles along with winning four individual medals at past events.
Quotes
Diederik van Sikfhout (NED):
I am really happy, he has improved so much since last year which was his first big Championship, I've seen how much he has improved in a year, maybe next year something else can happen. He's a horse with a lot of potential and a big future. This arena is really amazing, it's unbelievable, I'll never see it again like this, it's super!
Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (GER):
I am very pleased, I had two little mistakes, I had a good start and made a calculated risk and I think 75 is a good base for the rest of the team. I was so happy to be allowed to compete here, it's the result of so many years hard work and it's an honour to be able to represent your country, in your own country! It was my Championship debut and I can be really pleased with that score!
The most medalled competitor in the sport, Isabell Werth (GER), who was riding her top horse Don Johnson, scored 74.8. “I was a little disappointed as I felt it was quite a big difference between the judges, one awarding 72 and the other 77.” Werth remains positive, believing that the two remaining members of the team will keep Germany on top “The atmosphere here is great, the crowds are amazing, I hope they get the points we need!”
Results, Individual Dressage After Round One
1. Diederik van Silfhout/Arlando N.O.P (NED) 75.8
2. Fiona Bigwood/Atterupgaards Orthilia (GBR) 75.8
3. Jessica von Bredow-Werndl/Unee BB (GER) 75.2
4. Isabell Werth/Don Johnson FRH (GER) 74.8
5. Patrick van der Meer/Uzzo (NED) 72.4
6. Emilie Nyrerod/Miata (SWE) 71.829
7. Jose Daniel Martin Dockx/Grandioso (ESP) 71.3
8. Jorinde Verwimp/Tiamo (BEL) 71.086
9. Pierre Volla/Badinda Altena (FRA) 70.357
10. Mikala Münter Gundersen/My Lady (DEN) 70.2
Results, Team Dressage After Round One
1. GERMANY
2. NETHERLANDS
3. GREAT BRITAIN
4. SWEDEN
5. BELGIUM
6. SPAIN
7. FRANCE
8. DENMARK
9. RUSSIAN FEDERATION
10. FINLAND
13. PORTUGAL