Bubby Upton leads the dressage at Luhmühlen CCI5*-L

A brilliant dressage test put British rider Bubby Upton with Cannavaro in the lead (24.9) at Luhmühlen CCI5*-L after two days of competition. The 23-year old British rider was over the moon with Cannavaro’s performance: “I’m so proud of him, he has struggled so much with the dressage but he has the biggest heart and tries ever so hard. He is the gift that keeps on giving.”

Lauren Nicholson (USA) and Vermiculus are currently in second place (26.7) closely followed by Tim Price (NZL) and Vitali (27.1).

The value of Bubby Upton’s dressage score became apparent at the end of the second dressage day. None of the other competitors were able to overtrump Thursday’s performance. Tim Price (NZL) and his 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding Vitali are now in third place: “I’m happy with our test. He was a bit of a juvenile last year and it’s been all about building him to a five-star horse that knows the job. He’s very special and he’s in good shape. He can be a little neurotic and over the top, so it’s important to keep him relaxed and with me, then he’s s a super cool horse, so talented.”

The only German five-star competitor, Sophie Leube is currently in seventh place of the Longines CCI5*-L with her horse J’adore Moi (30.6): “My horse felt great. She was super focused and with me the whole time.” Tom McEwen (GBR) and Braveheart B will be the first competitors to tackle Mike-Etherington Smith’s 6,270m cross-country course at 9.30am Saturday local time.

Thoughts about the cross-country course:

Sophie Leube: “The tasks are all clear to see and we have a plan. I have to pay particular attention to the first water. That comes relatively early and I have to make sure I have her well with me beforehand because she’s often a bit more brisk at the start.”

Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp: “I think the course will suit my horse well, that’s why I brought him here to Luhmühlen. I always thought this horse is a Luhmühlen horse. It is a challenging course, a true five-star with challenging questions right until the end. But this is his third fiver star and I’m hoping for a good round.”

Tim Price: “The course requires stamina. The jumps and questions are obvious with a proper five-star stamp. It requires concentration and focused riding.”

William Coleman (USA) goes into the lead in the CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy

With an expressive dressage performance, William Coleman and Chin Tonic HS takes the lead with a score of just 24.6 points. The two German riders Michael Jung with Highlighter (25.6) and Dirk Schrade with Casino (26.4) are currently in second and third place respectively.

The second dressage day of the CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy promised exciting sport. William Coleman succeeded best in convincing the jury with his 10-year-old Holsteiner Chin Tonic HS. The audience agreed and celebrated Coleman with thunderous applause. Coleman was very pleased with the result: “My horse went in the ring and gave me a really honest effort. He’s still a little green and can be affected by the atmosphere. That’s why we brought him here, it’s all part of the education. He was very attentive and kept listening that way he was able to show his quality.” Multi-champion Michael Jung once again managed to secure an excellent starting position before cross-country day. He is close on Coleman’s heels by just one point: “That was not our best dressage but I am still very happy. My horse is getting better and better overall, so I am still pleased with our test. I set myself a target of 25 points and we just about managed that.”

The dressage podium of the CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy was completed by Dirk Schrade and Casino: “Casino was super. I could have ridden a bit more correctly in the arena. My horse usually keeps his nerve but he surprised me once in Avenches last year. Today I was fortunately able to use his energy to our advantage.” Currently in third place in the German Championships, which are held as part of the CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy, is local up-and coming rider Alina Dibowski with Barbados. The CCI4*-S cross-country will start tomorrow at 1.06 pm with pathfinder William Coleman and his Irish horse Off The Record.

Australians Andrew Hoy and Creevagh Cooley are in 50th place on 41.9.

Thoughts about the cross-country course:

William Coleman: “It looks great. There are some intense but fair questions. My horse is very brave and honest but still a bit inexperienced, so he can be a bit spooky at times. The atmosphere here with all the spectators might be the biggest challenge for him.”

Nicolai Aldinger: “It’s a super nice course. In my opinion the spectators might be challenging for a lot of horses.” Dirk Schrade: “I think it’s is a very nice course: the questions are clear and fair.”

Michael Jung: “It’s very nicely built. You obviously have to be on your guard. The narrow jump at the second water requires a lot of focus. But it was similar last year and I think everyone will be concentrated there so as not to risk a run-out.”

Full results here.

Source: Luhmühlen press release

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