Tuesday, 17 December 2013 CDI-W London Olympia

London calling – second in the Grand Prix!

Olympia Grand Hall is an absolutely stunning iron and glass building and the three large shiny golden horse sculptures bathed in light above the entrance to the ring are equally impressive. Here plush carpets cushion every step, golden chandeliers illuminate all the historic rooms and guests of honour take their seat on golden chairs in the boxes decorated with valuable paintings. Wherever you turn here you can feel the love of horses and equestrian history. Even if the venerable Olympia Grand Hall was not full today, an audience as large as this on a Monday is still quite something. 

For over 100 years, equestrian history has been written year after year on the last weekend before Christmas at the London International Horse Show in the famous Olympia Grand Hall. GLOCK rider Edward Gal also went down in the annals four years ago when he rode Totilas to the freestyle world record here in London (92.300%).

Traditionally the Monday and Tuesday nights are dedicated to dressage, with the Grand Prix de Dressage being held on Monday and the Freestyle on Tuesday. Tomorrow will also see the London leg of the World Cup. 

Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) on her unique Valegro scored 84.851% today to win in front of a jubilant home crowd. Only one pair was hot on her heels: GLOCK rider Edward Gal beamed justifiably full of pride following his successful Grand Prix with GLOCK’s Undercover. The GLOCK pair chalked up nine tens, which gave them 80.383% for runner-up spot, once again reflecting the steady improvement that Ed and Frits have been showing. “Last year it was very difficult for me. Undercover was here for the first time and very tense. Today I really got into the swing of things. At times I would have liked to ease off more, but then Fritsie would have taken off with me,” the GLOCK rider laughed at the well-attended press conference for his first appearance with GLOCK’s Undercover after the European Championships in Herning (DEN). 

Things did not go as well as usual today for GLOCK rider Hans Peter Minderhoud: something spooked GLOCK’s Romanov, which unfortunately affected his score. “It’s a pity, but whatever we’ll do our best again in the freestyle tomorrow,” said the likeable Dutchman. 

For more info on CDI-W London International Horse Show go to: www.olympiahorseshow.com