World number one Anky Van Grunsven on a rare competitive appearance in England, delighted her fans winning the World cup qualifier grand prix Kür at the London International Horse Show.
Anky and Keltic Salinero produced an expressive and emotive freestyle to her programme of instrumental Edith Piaf music gaining a unanimous verdict from the panel of five judges. “I was very happy with his performance tonight but I also know we can do better – he was a little nervous in the walk and pirouettes. The score or place is not as important as knowing you can go home and still work to improve,” said Anky who was also pleased to be in London. “It is a great city and a perfect venue – I hope there are many more world cup qualifiers here.”
Team compatriot Edward Gal and Group 4 Securicor Lingh once again had to settle for second place behind their trainer. Lingh, a Dutch bred stallion impressed with powerful paces but also lost marks with an expensive mistake towards the end of their kur. “He really rises to the atmosphere and loves his music,” said Edward.
German former Olympic champion Isabelle Werth and the giant chestnut Warum Nicht FRH moved into third place with a kur set to the very British ‘Land of Hope and Glory. “I heard the music several years ago at a prizegiving and thought then how perfect it was especially for the passage so I had a tape made – it seemed the perfect piece to bring here,” said Isabelle who also admitted that the 18hh Warum Nicht requires a double sized stable for his duration at Olympia.
It was British rider Laura Bechtolsheimer who received the biggest cheer of the night. The twenty year old rider from Gloucestershire rode the test of her with the powerful Donnerhall gelding to take sixth place. It was however enough to ensure that Laura now heads the Western League of the World Cup rankings after securing a win earlier in the season.