Here are the Tokyo 2020 Dressage day two highlights. With all strong performances during day one qualifiers, how did day two of dressage qualifiers at the Tokyo Equestrian Park pan out?
Team GB Day Two Dressage
In the day two dressage qualifiers at Tokyo, only Charlotte Dujardin was left to ride for Team GB. Taking Olympic debut ride, Gio into the Olympic arena, all eyes were on the two-time Olympic champion and her new partner.
Charlotte Dujardin and Gio
A very different Olympic Games was ahead of Charlotte this year. Usually accompanied her experienced, multi-medalled partner, Valegro, this year the rider took to the stage with Gio.
A horse who caught Charlotte’s eye in 2016, the pair have gone from strength to strength. Seemling thriving under pressure, in their first international Grand Prix together, they not only posted their best score but won the class. However, before heading to the Olympic, the gelding only had three international Grand Prix stars under his belt.
Under the Olympic lights, the pair proved themselves once again. Leaving the arena with a score of 80.963%, the pair not only achieved a personal best together, but Gio’s first score over 80% at international Grand Prix level.
After the qualifier, Charlotte commented;
I couldn’t ask any more from him tonight, he went in and he tried his absolute heart out,” gushed Charlotte. “He’s just unbelievable. He gives me everything he’s got, even though he needs to get stronger and a bit more confident. I can’t ask anymore of him.”
“I felt so emotional on the last centre line because when you have a ride like that, it doesn’t matter if you win or lose. He’s absolutely lived up to expectations.”
“To me, this was as good as winning tonight because I know he couldn’t have done any more for where he is right now in his training and with how few competitions he’s done. That’s like a gold medal, one of those really special moments that I’ll remember for forever and a day.”
Charlotte and Gio finished second in their group meaning that they qualify for the individual finals. They finished just behind one of their top competitors, Team Germany’s Isabel Werth.
Meanwhile, early anticipating the day’s results, Carl Hester was awaiting confirmation for his qualification for the individual final. Placing 4th in his group, Carl needed his score with En Vogue to remain in the top eight. By the end of the day, the duo placed 16th in the qualifying rankings.
Other Day Two Dressage Highlights
The world No.1 ranked rider Isabell Werth of Germany took the top score for the day two dressage qualifers. Isabell posted a score of 82.500% on board 17-year-old, Westphalian mare, Bella Rose. With beautiful self-carriage in the passage and scoring 9s and 10s from the seven international judges, the duo will advance to the Individual Finals on Wednesday (July 28). However, fellow German Jessica von Bredow-Werndl has the highest score heading into the final after her brilliant display during day one qualifiers with TSF Dalera.
Advancing to the Individual Finals are;
- Lottie Fry and Everdale (GBR)
- Therese Nilshagen and Dante Weltino Old (SWE)
- Nanna Skodborg Merrald and Zack (DEN)
- Catherine Dufor and Bohemian (DEN)
- Edward Gal and Total US (NED)
- Beatriz Ferrer-Salat and Elegance (ESP)
- Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera (GER)
- Sabine Schut-Kery and Sanceo (USA)
- Hans Peter Minderhoud and Dream Boy (NED)
- Carl Hester and En Vogue (GBR)
- Rodrigo Torres and Fogoso (POR)
- Carina Cassoe Kruth and Heiline’s Danciera (DEN)
- Adrienne Lyle and Salvino (USA)
- Dorothee Schnieder and Showtime FRH (GER)
- Juliette Ramel and Buriel K.H. (SWE)
- Isabell Werth and Bella Rose (GER)
- Charlotte Dujardin and Gio (GBR)
- Steffen Peters and Suppenkaspar (USA)
Header image; Charlotte Dujardin and Gio – Tokyo 2020 Day Two Dressage Grand Prix (FEI/Christophe Taniere)
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