Germany’s Isabell Werth started off well in Geneva in the beautiful and impressive Palexpo, by convincingly winning the VIAN WDM Grand Prix presented by Jiva Hill Stables today. She scored 77.580% with her 10-year-old Westphalian gelding Emilio (Ehrenpreis x Cacir Aa). The judges unanimously placed Isabell in first place. Germany’s Gotthielf Riexinger, president of the jury, awarded her test with the highest score of 80.200%. Isabell was very satisfied after her test: “It’s great to be back again here after 20 years. I especially can remember one time when I won here with Amaretto. Everything is nice in Geneva, all is in one big space, it’s not easy for the horses but it is a great challenge. And today Emilio was really calm and relaxed. He did a good job.”
Spain’s Olympic and European bronze medallist Beatriz Ferrer-Salat took second place with Sir Radjah, another Westphalian gelding by Sir Donnerhall x Radjah Z. The pair received 73.220% from the judges panel that consisted of Alain Francqueville (FRA), Maja stukelj (CZE), Gotthilf Riexinger (GER), Isabelle Judet (FRA) and Leif Törnblad (DEN).
Switzerland’s Marcela Krinke-Susmelj finished in third place with 72.760%. The rider, who was born in Czechoslovakia, but now lives in Lucerne rode her 15-year-old Danish-bred gelding Smeyers Molberg (Michellino x Rambo).
Tomorrow, Saturday 10 December, two WDM competitions are scheduled, the Grand Prix Special and the Grand Prix Freestyle.
Full results here.
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