It was a battle royal, but the queen who earned the Grand Prix Special crown four years ago in Denmark did it again on Friday in Aachen.
A determined Lottie Fry of Great Britain and the fabulous Glamourdale topped a stellar roster of competitors in the Grand Prix Special at the FEI world championships.
Lottie and Glammy
The hugely anticipated face-off for the medals in this difficult test involved three riders who scored more than 80 percent to wind up on the podium, and three others just below that mark who also impressed mightily.
Lottie had a relatively comfortable edge with 82.295 percent over world number one Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour of Denmark on Mount St. John Freestyle (80.927). Cathrine also took silver four years ago, but with another horse, Vamos Amigos.
The bronze went to a German making her world’s debut with Denoix PCH on 80.866, keeping her countrywoman, the legendary Isabell Werth, out of the medals after she rode Wendy de Fontaine to a 79.544 percent finish for fourth place.
Many expected the top placings to include former world number one Justin Verboomen of Belgium and Zonik Plus, but the black stallion didn’t show up at his best, coming in fifth with 79.362.
As usual, Glammy’s dramatic tempi changes and extended trot and canter were highlights, and little mistakes were inconsequential.
“It was just the most incredible test,” a rapturous Lottie said moments after clinching the title. Again.
“Glamourdale kind of knew how important it was and he loves that arena and he did the most amazing test. We’ve been really working for this point, just hoping we were going to peak at the right time. For it all to come together is like a dream.”
Lottie thanks Glammy for a job well-done.
Both horse and rider were “completely focused,” as Lottie put it.
“He felt relaxed, yet powerful and happy and just wanted to do his job. It was just an honor to be able to ride him in that arena and he gave everything he could. The more I asked, the more he gave.”
As it was happening so dramatically, Lottie thought happily, “This is just insane!”
Now she has to keep her freestyle title, which will be contested Saturday by the top 18 from the Special, for which 30 riders qualified from the Grand Prix on Tuesday and Wednesday.
U.S. dressage involvement is over for these championships. Christian Simonson, the only American to make the Special, finished twenty-ninth on Fleau de Baian with 68.456 percent.
There’s much more of a story to come here, so check back a little later. We also will have a separate piece on the wrap-up of eventing dressage, where the U.S. stands sixth going into Saturday’s cross-country and Britain leads the way, only 0.8 penalties ahead of Germany.
Click here for Grand Prix Special results. Click here for eventing individual results after dressage. Click here for eventing team results after dressage.
