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Federation
Equestre Internationale News
FEI
World Cup Dressage News - All to play for in Amsterdam
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With
just three qualifiers to go before the final (Dusseldorf April
1-4th), the high quality competition that has been a feature from
the start of this 2003/4 FEI World Cup Dressage season is set
to continue in Amsterdam this weekend.
Standings leader Heike Kemmer, way ahead on 72 points, is out
to cement her lead with her experienced campaigner Albano. Dutch
diva Anky van Grunsven, in third place on 37 points after her
resounding victory in Maastricht, brings Gestion Salinero to the
Amsterdam party, while Sven Rothenberger, in fourth place on 36,
again campaigns Barclay, a full brother to World Cup winner Brentina.
While Emma Hindle, currently second in the standings, is still
taking a break, the two other British riders due in Amsterdam
were thwarted by snowy weather. Both Richard Davison's mount Ballaseyr
Royale and Carl Hester's Escapado were bandaged up ready to be
transported from Davison's stable in Staffordshire when the snow
came, and kept coming. Said a disappointed Davison, "I kept
in contact with Organiser Chris van Dam, so when we realised it
was too risky to make the show on time, we thought it was better
that he could invite two wait-listed riders."
Kyra Kyrklund did make it from England, but she sent Andiamo Thyme
a day earlier. The Finnish former World Cup champion's prime objective
this year is to qualify, through the rankings, for an individual
slot at the Athens Olympics. Despite her second place at the Stockholm
qualifier, however, and her world cup record last year with Andiamo
Thyme, which resulted in the offer of a wild card for the final,
Kyrklund said she has found it difficult to get starts this season.
Another colourful combination, Spanish European silver and bronze
medal winners Beatriz Ferrer-Salat and Beauvalais in their first
qualifier this season, will also turn the heat up on the Dutch
and German combinations.
For Germany, Berlin winner Hubertus Schmidt and Ann Kathrin Linsenhof
will be challenging on their lovely mares Wansuela Suerte and
Wahajama-Unicef respectively. With Isabell Werth, who rides Anthony
FRH here, on level points with Sweden's Louise Nathhorst and Holland's
Edward Gal just two points above Linsenhoff in the standings,
the margins are small and winning points in Amsterdam is crucial
for those in the hunt for a ticket to Dusseldorf.
It all starts with the Jumping Amsterdam Prijs, tomorrow's qualifying
grand prix, with the main contest to the sound of music on Saturday.
Timetable:
Friday 30th January, 08.30-12.00, Jumping Amsterdam Prijs Grand
Prix
Saturday 31st January, 15.00-17.30, FEI World Cup Dressage Freestyle
Qualifier
www.jumpingamsterdam.nl
For
full FEI World Cup Dressage Standings 2003/4 season visit www.horseport.org
www.horsesport.org
.
