ISABELL WERTH: THE QUEEN OF THE BALL

For this tenth FEI Dressage World CupTM - Grand Prix Freestyle presented by FFE Generali at Longines Equita Lyon, the queen of the discipline Isabell Werth did not falter in front of a full house. The German dressage rider won for the sixth time in Lyon, maintaining her hold on the title without interruption since 2016. Presided over by Isabelle Judet from France, the judges appreciated her performance on Weihegold Old, awarding a score of 84.910%. This is the second time Isabell Werth has won this class with Weihegold Old in Lyon, the previous time being in 2016. However, she also won the event in 2017, 2018 and 2019 with her faithful Emilio 107 and in 2010 with Warum Nicht.  “I'm so proud and happy to be back in Lyon. Being able to return to an almost normal life is incredible and amazing. Obviously, I am delighted to have won this class, despite making a few mistakes. After this, I intend to go to Stockholm with Weihegold Old, Dortmund with Emilio and Frankfurt with Weihegold Old to say my goodbyes to the stage where it all began", said the champion at the press conference. This represented another great victory for the star of the discipline, six times world champion, twelve times European champion and seven times Olympic gold medallist.

Ssecond place on the podium went to the young Danish rider Nanna Skodborg Merrald on Atterupgaards Orthilia, who set her personal best with 83.695%. "I like the pressure of having everyone's eyes on me; it is something that motivates me. It was really great to see the audience again after two years!" said the happy runner-up.

Second in the Grand Prix yesterday and third today, the German rider Frederic Wandres captivated the jury with his fourteen-year-old chestnut Duke of Britain FRH, scoring 81.640%. "I had felt really positive coming here to Lyon because I remembered my time here in 2019, which was such fun and left me with fantastic memories. After this, I would like to go to Madrid, London, Frankfurt and Mechelen. Then, since I have earned points in the North American League, I hope to be able to go to the United States, notably Wellington," said the rider at the press conference.

The Danish rider Cathrine Dufour, whose performance was eagerly awaited at Longines Equita Lyon, finished fourth. For her first appearance on Lyon's international arena, Cathrine Dufour presented her nine-year-old Vamos Amigos for the first time at this level, finishing with a fine score of 81.135%.

As regards the French riders, three couples had the pleasure of performing their freestyle routines. Marie-Émilie Bretenoux, the first French rider in the class, presented a routine on Quartz of Jazz based on the musical theme of Harry Potter, scoring 73.800%. She was followed by Anne-Sophie Serre on her faithful Massa Actuelle (74.335%). However, it was Morgan Barbançon and Sir Donnerhall II Old that scored the best average among the French contingent with 75.980%, finishing in tenth place. "I love the indoor season with Gus. We both prefer this kind of atmosphere, and what we like most of all is the Freestyle to Music. Today we presented our new routine, but we had a few little communication problems, so I am a somewhat disappointed. We are going to keep working for the next events, namely Madrid and Mechelen at the end of the year, and then we will see," said the rider after the class.

The riders all spoke about the pleasure of returning to "almost normal life" and being able to perform in front of the public in the arena. The sentiment was shared by Sylvie Robert, President of GL events Equestrian Sport, organiser of the Longines Equita Lyon International Equestrian Competition, who also took the opportunity to thank her partners: "First of all, I would like to thank the FEI for their ongoing confidence, as we are return to this circuit. I would also like thank the FFE and Generali, as well as all the fantastic riders involved in this competition. We are so happy to be able to host riding competitions again, the World Cup circuit and events that the general public can actually attend. It creates a certain sense of excitement, a buzz, and people seem really happy. That is the real reward for us. Thank you to the riders and to everyone for coming, and see you all next year." 

1. Isabell Werth (GER) and Weihegold Old: 84.910%


2. Nanna Skodborg Merrald (DEN) and Atterupgaards Orthilia: 83.695%


3. Frederic Wandres (GER) and Duke of Britain FRH: 81.640%

10. Morgan Barbançon (FRA) and Sir Donnerhall II Old: 75.980%