Monday, 11 June 2012
Edward Gal and GLOCKs Undercover are the new Dutch dressage champions
He is back on top: triple world champion Edward Gal also won the freestyle to music today at the Dutch championships with GLOCK's Undercover and a sensational final score of 83.650%. The outstanding pair was thus deservedly crowned the new national champions.
It simply could not have gone better for the 42-year-old this weekend. Riding 11-year-old GLOCK's Undercover in the three rounds, the Dutchman notched up three wins. Given that the Nationals are also regarded as Olympic selection trials, the duo will now be hot contenders for London.
A score of 75.766% for the 2009 version of the Grand Prix and first place on Friday gave Gal and Ferro's son the first chance to aim for the national title. The second supreme triumph despite difficult weather conditions and strong winds followed yesterday in the Olympic Grand Prix Special, which is considered the most challenging dressage competition in the world and tailored to the Olympic Games. A brilliant performance gave the two 76.422% and Edward underscored his exceptional ability here by finishing second on Blue Hors Romanov and taking third place with Interfloor Next One.
Today the freestyle to music caused quite a sensation: 83.659% for the Glock duo and the lead over three times individual Olympic gold medallist Anky Van Grunsven with her now 18-year-old Hanoverian gelding Salinero in second place (82.900%) and Patrick van der Meer on Uzzo (79.325%) in third. Results link
It was the fourth championship title for Edward Gal since 2004!
Fellow Glock team member Hans Peter Minderhoud got off to a good start with GLOCKs Tango – tying for second place with Edward Gal (Blue Hors Romanov) – but his luck ran out in the Grand Prix Special. Jazz's son began extremely well, but was then so distracted by the strong gusts of wind and flapping canvas that the Dutchman had to retire and dropped down the championship rankings.
Grand Prix results link (2009 version)
Olympic Grand Prix Special results link
Freestyle to music results link
2012 dressage championship results link
All results HERE
Textsource: REITSPORTNEWS – the equestrian sports agency