Spain's Ferrer Salat Wins Grand Prix at Olympia Horse Show

Spain’s leading lady, Beatriz Ferrer Salat won the grand prix qualifier for first dressage world cup qualifier to be held at Olympia, The London International Horse Show.

Beatriz and her Olympic bronze medal partner the 17 year old Beauvalais headed a field of 22 riders. The win confirms the pair as favourites for tomorrows grand prix freestyle, supported by The Berkeley Group and Horse & Hound.

“He felt a little spooky but it is really enjoyable to be riding here and I love London and am enjoying the city all day,” said Beatriz who last competed in England in the European championships were they gained team silver and individual bronze.

The Spanish combination just pipped the British combination of Carl Hester and his Olympic team horse Escapado. The popular British duo who had returned hotfoot from Maastricht were they gained fourth place, performed a fluent and relaxed test for a high score of 71.6. “He is really beginning to take it all in his stride and competing is just another part of his life,” said Carl.

British young rider team medallist Maria Eilberg competing in her first world cup qualifier gained 13th place qualifying for the freestyle. “It’s a little bit daunting but I really enjoyed being out there especially in the evening atmosphere.”

German Olympic team reserves Ann-Kathrin Lisenhoff and the young mare Wahajama Unicef gained third place with compatriot Heike Kemmer and her old campaigner Albano in fourth place.

British riders Richard Davison (Ballaseyr Royale), Peter Storr (Gambrinus), and Wayne Channon (Lorenzo) all qualified for tomorrow nights freestyle for which 6,500 spectators are expected.

Grand Prix Results

1. Beatriz Ferrer Salat - Beauvalais - 72.791% - Spain
2. Carl Hester - Escapado - 71.666% - England
3. Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff - Wahajama - 71.583% - Germany
4. Heike Kemmer - Albano - 69.791% - Germany
5. Lone Jorgensen - Ludewig G - 69.500% - Denmark
6. Richard Davison - Ballaseyr Royale - 69.250% - England
7. Gina Capellmann Lutkemeier - Amando - 68.375% - Germany
8. Peter Storr - Gambrinus - 67.708% - England
9. Anne van Olst - Dexter - 66.666% - Denmark
10. Jeroen Devroe - Paganini - 66.541% - Belgium
11. Wayne Channon - Lorenzo CH - 66.250% - England
12. Martina Hannover Sternberg - Ratino H OLD - 65.833% - Germany
13. Maria Eilberg - Two Sox - 64.958% - England
14. Thamar Zweistra - Hexagon's Kyrain - 64.708% - Holland
15. Odile van Doorn - Parodie van de Wateringhoeve - 64.666% - France
16. Laura Bechtolsheimer - Douglas Dorsey - 64.583% - England
17. Kirsten Beckers - Broere Montecristo - 64.458% - Holland
18. Ferdi Eilberg - Teutone - 64.375% - England
19. Kenneth Dyrby - Indoor - 63.583%  - USA
20. Dominique d'Esme - Roi de Coeur - 63.250% - France
21. Patrick Kittel - Heslegaards Rubin - 62.541% - Sweden
22. Fiona Bigwood - Mr G de Lully - 62.500% - England