With the KWPN-approved stallion Glamourdale, Charlotte Fry claimed a convincing victory in the World Cup Final in Basel last night. The pair finished nearly 4% ahead of the runner-up, Isabell Werth with DSP Quantaz. As always, Glamourdale impressed with his powerful canter work and strong extensions.

In the Grand Prix, Glamourdale (Lord Leatherdale out of Thuja pref. prest. by Negro, bred by J. Rodenburg) was still slightly overwhelmed by the beautifully decorated arena in Basel, but in the freestyle he performed with full confidence. “To win here is absolutely amazing. I had a fantastic ride with Glammie — he had so much more confidence than yesterday,” Fry said with a smile after the win. “Everything came together today, and that gives a really special feeling. This is also an achievement of our entire team at Van Olst Horses and everyone who contributed. Glamourdale was truly ‘on fire’ today, and that’s how I know him. He enjoyed every second — he’s such a showman. He loves having all eyes on him. And while he’s so bold in the arena, at home he’s actually very cuddly,” Fry praised the stallion.

Gotilas Fourth, Flambeau Eighth
Just like in the Grand Prix, the KWPN horse Gotilas du Feuillard (Totilas out of Vital Hit S PROK prelim. keur by Ferro, bred by Unlimited Stables) took fourth place with Corentin Pottier of France. Once again showing strong form, the pair earned a score of 80.415%. Belgian rider Larissa Pauluis followed in eighth place with the KWPN horse Flambeau (Ampère out of Lakarla elite pref. prest. sport-dres), scoring 77.470%.
“I’m really happy with him. It hasn’t always been easy. We always knew he had talent, but in the beginning it wasn’t easy with him. That he would develop so well and show this level of talent – that has exceeded our expectations,” Pauluis explained.

Gino Improves
The KWPN horse Gino (Bretton Woods out of Lugienna keur by Haarlem) and American rider Genay Vaughn performed much stronger in the freestyle than in the Grand Prix, much to the rider’s delight: “I’m so happy that he went through the arena much more confidently today. I’m very proud that we’re here.” They scored 73.765%. Behind Vaughn and Gino, we saw Ivanhoe (Desperado out of Pirouette ID elite PROK by Jazz) with Mary Hanna of Australia in 15th place. They were followed by Helix (Apache out of Zeester T elite pref. prest. sport-dres by Jazz) ridden by American Adrienne Lyle, and Dior S (Spielberg out of Wolivia L PROK by Florestan I) ridden by Anikó Komjáthy-Losonczy for Hungary.

Text: BvH for KWPN
Photo: Dirk Caremans