Glamourdale retains world title in the Grand Prix Special

Charlotte Fry and the KWPN stallion Glamourdale have once again claimed the world title in the Grand Prix Special at Aachen. With a convincing score of 82.295 per cent, they finished well ahead of the strong field.

The 15-year-old Glamourdale (by Lord Leatherdale) showed himself at his best in Aachen’s impressive Soers arena. Charlotte Fry presented the black stallion in a forward-moving and fluid test, in which his enormous, extended canter and expressive changes particularly impressed the judges.

Standing ovation

The crowd were already clapping enthusiastically on the final straight, and after the final bow the stadium erupted. Six of the seven judges awarded Fry and Glamourdale first place, and Fry was escorted out of the stadium to a standing ovation. Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour rode Mount St John Freestyle to silver, meaning that Fry and Laudrup-Dufour, just as in Herning, took the top two places on the podium. Germany’s Katharina Hemmer, riding Denoix PCH and scoring 80.866 per cent, provided a new name on the podium.

Glamourdale goes from strength to strength in the arena

“I can hardly believe what’s just happened,” said Fry. “Glamourdale just kept giving. I thought: let’s play it safe, but he seemed to be saying: no, let’s take a risk. I’ve never ridden such a good test with him. I’ve no words to describe him. He’s an incredible horse.” According to Fry, Glamourdale really comes into his own in front of a large audience. “He thrives in an arena like this and enjoys it. He loves Aachen. When all eyes are on him, he steps it up a notch.”

He gives his all

Following the Olympic Games in Paris and the European Championships in Crozet, where the pair didn’t achieve their best results, the team continued to search for the ideal preparation. In Aachen, everything came together at just the right moment. “Glamourdale doesn’t need many competitions, because every time he steps into the ring, he gives his all. It’s incredible that, at the age of fifteen, he’s still improving. Peaking at exactly the right moment is incredibly difficult and truly a team effort. There’s a long period of preparation behind it, and we’re supported by a large team. Today I knew he could do this. When he feels like this, I know it’s going to be good.”

Source: KWPN