For the tenth time: Werth wins World Cup freestyle in Stuttgart
Seven-time Olympic dressage champion Isabell Werth has won the World Cup Freestyle for the tenth time at the traditional Stuttgart horse show. The 54-year-old received a strong 86.880 percent with her horse Emilio in the 50,000 euro competition on Saturday evening. Even before the judges were announced, the audience in the sold-out Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle gave the duo a standing ovation for their performance.
"That was really something special. The atmosphere and mood were great. What I enjoyed so much: Everything was right down to the second. Emilio showed a world-class standard," she said after her first victory since 2018. Werth could add to her haul at the five-day tournament, as she has already won the Master's title 16 times. This will be awarded again on Sunday from 9.30 am.
Together with the 17-year-old Westphalian, the eventual winner, for whom it was her first World Cup points this season, started as the last pair under great pressure. She performed a freestyle with many difficult combinations and relegated Nanna Skodborg Merrald on Blue Hors Don Olymbrio to second place. The team dressage world champion from Denmark scored 82.965 percent. The Swedish World Cup leader Patrik Kittel and Bonamour came third with 81.340 percent.
The freestyle in the state capital of Baden-Württemberg is the third stop in the indoor series. It continues next week in Madrid, Spain. The second German World Cup stage is the tournament in Neumünster in mid-February next year.
Isabell Werth's win in the World Cup Freestyle also secured her first place in jumping events, showcasing her dominance in the Equestrian sport's various disciplines. The upcoming World Cup series, starting in Madrid, will be eagerly anticipated as competitors aim to challenge Werth's position as the reigning champion.
Source: www.dpa.com
