Carl Hester completed a dressage double at the Equerry Bolesworth International Horse Show after another exciting day’s action.
Carl Hester on Barolo
The two-day CDI three-star competition drew to a close with Hester guiding the highly-promising Barolo to another notable victory.
After winning Wednesday’s grand prix, Hester triumphed in the Equitop Myoplast freestyle to music, edging out his Great Britain colleague Gareth Hughes on a score of 77.745 per cent.
Hughes and Don Carissimo finished second, posting 76.175 per cent, with Richard Davison and Bubblingh third on 74.475 per cent.
Reflecting on his latest successes with Barolo – it followed a victorious double at the Royal Windsor Horse Show last month – Hester was not only delighted with the victory, but also thrilled that Bolesworth’s first international dressage competition proved such a hit.
“It has been a brilliant two days,” he said. “The weather held up, the arena held up and the horse held up, which was the main thing.
“That was his fourth win in a row. He is a developing horse, he’s not at the top of the game yet, he is just getting there, so it has been brilliant to bring him here and see him develop.
“I am looking forward to his future. He has now qualified for the European Championship, which is great. He is showing consistency, and we need shows like this to create a future for our competition horses.
“The two days here have been amazing for the sport.”
Anders Dahl on Sir Donato
Earlier, the grand prix special class went to Denmark’s Anders Dahl, riding Sir Donato, on a score of 71.333 per cent.
Gillian Davison continued a successful show with Alfranco, finishing second on 70.941 per cent, with rising British prospect Hayley Watson-Greaves third aboard Rubins Nite.
Dahl said: “He was really good today. It was one of the best tests I have ever ridden, so I was very pleased with him.
“He stayed focussed and did his job. He is a very good horse – we have had him since he was two-years-old – and I definitely think he is a very good one.
“It has been an absolutely amazing couple of days. This venue can easily compete with the best places in Europe. It is an amazing set-up.”
