With three wins out of three starts, World number one Isabell Werth has rocketed to the top of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Western European League standings. In Basel’s imposing and packed St. Jakobshalle – which will also host the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Finals in April – Werth secured victory in the Freestyle with DSP Quantaz, scoring 83.735.
No fewer than four Swiss combinations competed in Basel (SUI), delighting the home crowd with their Freestyle performances. Jessica Neuhauser and Rockson (owned by Hildegard Magdalena Riedmaier) were the top Swiss finishers, claiming a respectable 10th place with 74.785% in only their third international Grand Prix ever. Representing Switzerland’s neighbouring country Austria, Florian Bacher had a challenging Grand Prix with Fidertraum OLD (owned by Verena Bacher), but bounced back in the Freestyle, earning 75.515%. Their score held firm until after the break and ultimately secured them eighth place.
Personal Best for Carrascosa
After the break, Borja Carrascosa (ESP) set a new personal best of 78.575% with Sir Hubert NRW (owned by the athlete and Sportpferde Hofmann Gbr). The big chestnut, who also competed in last season’s FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final in Riyadh (KSA) delivered a powerful test set to vibrant Shakira music. Carina Scholz (GER) and her seasoned partner Tarantino (owned by Sportpferde Scholz) impressed with their piaffe and passage work, but tension in the changes kept them just below Carrascosa’s score.
“I want to compete with DSP Quantaz in the Final, and I’m already looking forward to April.” ~ Isabell Werth
Wandres and Bluetooth OLD Return to Form
As the competition intensified, scores edged toward the 80% mark, but eventually only the top three exceeded it. Frederic Wandres (GER) and Bluetooth OLD secured third place with 83.105%. Both horse and athlete returned to the arena after a well-earned break following the Paris Olympics. “We really needed to recharge our batteries,” explained Wandres. “Last summer was long and demanding with the fight for an Olympic ticket. Our Grand Prix was still a bit conservative, but today in the Freestyle, we were back at our best.” In the freestyle, he left nothing to chance and showed an energetic and harmonious ride. Wandres mentioned that his focus this year will primarily be on the upcoming outdoor season.
Basquin and Netz Evenly Matched
Raphael Netz (GER) with Great Escape Camelot (owned by Sonja Kristina Krall and Therese Boss) and Pauline Basquin (FRA) with Sertorius de Rima Z Ifce (owned by Institut Francais du Cheval Et De L’Equitation) both delivered strong tests but narrowly missed the 80% barrier. Basquin, who previously won the FEI Dressage World Cup™ qualifier in Madrid, earned the highest score of the two, with 79.825%. Her light-footed Sertorius de Rima Z Ifce showed lovely frame and expression but had a minor error in the one-tempi changes. Netz’s energetic presentation, which also showcased a nice and soft connection, was marred by some tension in the walk, leading them to 79.360%.
Freese Eyes the Final
Although it wasn’t part of her original plan, after her ride in Basel Isabell Freese (NOR) has shifted her focus to the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final with the black stallion Total Hope OLD (owned by Lone Boegh-Hendriksen, Oivind Bache, and Paul Schockemöhle). They delivered a polished Freestyle with exceptional piaffe and passage work and flawless changes. They scored 83.490% to finish second behind Werth. After securing second place in both London and Basel, Freese scored valuable points and has her sights firmly set on the Final. “Everything clicked in London, and again here. The Final is now within reach, and it would be a dream to compete there,” said the Norwegian athlete, who is based in Germany.
Werth Does It Again
Once again, Isabell Werth (GER) emerged victorious. Despite her extensive collection of titles, a win in Basel was missing from her résumé – until now. Riding DSP Quantaz (owned by Madeleine Winter-Schulze and Victoria Max-Theurer), Werth previously won the qualifier in Lyon and added another 20 points to her World Cup score today. With Wendy de Fontaine, she won the qualifier in Stuttgart, which means she now shares the lead in the FEI Dressage World Cup™ standings with Carina Scholz.
Werth’s Freestyle to Bonnie Tyler music was flawless, featuring fluid trot work, superb pirouettes, and clean tempi changes. The athlete was particularly pleased with DSP Quantaz’s relaxed performance. “He’s not the easiest indoor horse as he can get spooked by the advertising boards, but today he was fully focused. I even managed to smile during the test,” joked the World No. 1. Basel also provided a valuable opportunity to familiarise Quantaz with the venue ahead of the Final. “Yes, I want to compete with DSP Quantaz in the Final, and I’m already looking forward to April,” Werth smiled.
The next FEI Dressage World Cup™ qualifier will take place in Amsterdam on 24-25 January, so don’t miss a hoofbeat…
Full results here.
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