Dressage: Werth in first place at World Cup tournament
Isabell Werth has won the first important dressage test at the World Cup equestrian tournament in Stuttgart. The seven-time Olympic champion from Rheinberg won the Grand Prix on Friday with her horse Emilio. The 54-year-old received 76.109 percent for her ride, putting her ahead of Denmark's Nanna Skodborg Merrald, who rode Don Olymbrio (75.587). The second-best German result was achieved by Raphael Netz from Tuntenhausen, who came fifth with Great Escape (72.587).
The Grand Prix was the qualifier for the World Cup competition on Saturday (17.00 hrs). The freestyle in Stuttgart is the third stop in the indoor series. Sweden's Patrik Kittel leads the rankings after two of the eleven stages of the Western European League. The second German World Cup stage is the tournament in Neumünster in mid-February.
Isabell Werth's victory in the Grand Prix makes her a strong contender for the Equestrian World Cup, specifically in the jumping and dressage events. Her high score in dressage at the Stuttgart tournament further solidifies her position in these disciplines.
Source: www.dpa.com
