Isabell Werth and Weihegold.

© Stefan Lafrentz/FEI

By Equestrian Life

German stars Isabell Werth and Sönke Rothenberger were in action over the weekend at Donaueshingen CDI4* in Germany as the battle for WEG team selection heats up.

Isabell rode Weihegold OLD in the Grand Prix CDI4* to win on an impressive score of 82.652% — it was Isabell’s biggest GP score for the year on any of her horses. Sönke Rothenberger and Cosmo 59, who has just returned from two months off due to injury, scored 76.196% for third place behind Jessica Von Bredow-Werndl and Zaire-E on 76.413%.

In the Grand Prix Special CDI4*, Sönke and Cosmo greatly improved to post a huge sore of 84.362% to win the class. Isabell and Weihegold had to settle for second with a score of 81.745%, while Jessica Von Bredow-Werndl and Zaire-E were third on 77.383%.

Sönke and Cosmo’s win in the Special has greatly improved their chances of making the German WEG team. Isabell is assured a place on the team, however selectors will have a tough job choosing between her three horses: Weihegold, Emilio and Bella Rose. Other combinations in contention for selection are Helen Langehanenberg on Damsey FRH, Dorothee Schneider on Sammy Davis Jr., and Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on either Zaire-E, TSF Dalera BB or Unee BB.

Sönke Rothenberger and Cosmo.

© Arnd Bronkhorst

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