Thursday, 20 December 2012 CDI5* World Cup qualifier in LondonRoyal World Cup points for Edward and Frits in London
Olympia, The London International Horse Show held at Olympia Grand Hall, is not only regarded as the UK’s biggest competition but also the oldest in equestrian sport, having celebrated its centenary in 2007. Classed as a CSI5*-W and CDI5*-W, the show on the second last weekend before Christmas draws all the equestrian stars and thousands of fans.
It was here that GLOCK rider Edward Gal went down in history with the world record in the Grand Prix Freestyle (92.300%) in 2009 and this year on GLOCK’s Undercover he took home World Cup points.
The test was not however easy because Frits, as Edward affectionately calls GLOCK’s Undercover, does not yet have much competition experience and is even less used to huge crowds round the dressage arena. Nevertheless, at the Reem Acra World Cup™ dressage the GLOCK duo once again showed how much potential they have. Edward gave a very sensitive, almost perfect performance with the Ferro son at the Grand Prix on Monday (17.12), scored 76.128% and was delighted to finish third. At the Freestyle on Tuesday (18.12) about 8,000 enthusiastic spectators lined the dressage arena, a sight that electrified GLOCK’s Undercover. “Frits was extremely tense because of all the people,” said Edward Gal after the Freestyle, which saw him and the elegant black horse finally placing eighth (74.05%). “Unfortunately, at home you can’t prepare for a venue like this with such a big audience. It’s simply a question of getting in the practice he still needs to gain experience. The next competition will have to be a little quieter for him so we don’t put him off and make things calmer again. But don’t worry, with a little experience Frits will take the venue in his stride!”
There was a taste of what is to come at the Reem Acra World Cup™ dressage: after the fifth of eight legs Edward and GLOCK’s Undercover are in sensational fifth place in the rankings.
