Salzgeber Loses Advantage with Grand Prix Speciale

German favourite Ulla Salzgeber lost her advantage further to the windy conditions brought on by the Meltemi. After several mistakes from her 16-year-old gelding Rusty, mainly in the flying changes, the German rider has now a slight advantage on 76.524 % finishing her Grand Prix Special on a score of 74.84%.

Defending Gold medallist Anky van Grunsven (NED) on Salinero narrowed the gap and is now on a score of 76.004 % after winning today’s competition with 77.8 %. Salinero coped well with today’s windy conditions after two training sessions in the morning and nearly bucking his rider off at the first work out early morning.

 “I don’t feel like defending my title, as my gold medal in Sydney was obtained with Bonfire. Now I only want to concentrate on my own riding” explained the Dutch star. “Salinero is a hot horse” she continues, “but he fits me well. He is only 10 year-old and I hope he will grow older and wiser, and settle down a little.”

Third place before the Final went to Beatriz Ferrer Salat (ESP) on Beauvalais who rode the second best performance in today’s Grand Prix Special.

Debbie McDonald (USA) and Brentina are now ranked fourth, delivering the third best test of the day.

The best 15 riders at the end of the second qualifier will compete in the Final test, the Freestyle to Music (Kür) to take place on 25 August afternoon.