Julia Krajewski and Samourai du Thot. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Three of Germany’s most veteran combinations duked it out today to take the top three spots in Turniergesellschaft Luhmühlen’s Meßmer Trophy CIC3*.
Julia Krajewski and Samourai du Thot posted a sensational score of 19.9 to steal the overnight lead from yesterday’s dressage leaders, Julia Mestern and Grand Prix IWEST. Julia and the 12-year-old Selle Français gelding (Milor Landais x Melitos du Thot, by Flipper d’Elle) won the CCI4* at Luhmühlen last year and have represented Germany in the European Championships and Olympic Games.
“Sam was super today!,” Julia says. “Although he is much more a jumping pony than a dressage horse, he really did a fabulous job today. To take the lead in such a strong class is amazing. I am a little overwhelmed! Now I am looking forward to this very exciting new course tomorrow, which really has everything to offer! Riding within the optimum time will probably be a challenge, but one we are happy to take on.”
Bettina Hoy and Designer 10. Photo by Thomas Ix.
Another experienced four-star pair, Bettina Hoy and Designer 10, moved into second place on a score of 21.2. They finished third in the Luhmühlen CCI4* last year, but this is their first FEI outing since then as Bettina has been busy coaching the Dutch team.
“Designer loves competing here in Luhmühlen,” Bettina says. “He just delivered just as I expected he would. I can’t fault him in any way – he was brilliant! He is very experienced at this level, so I know he would come out and be his best. Now I am looking forward to tomorrow’s cross country, which is challenging but extremely well-built. I think Mike Etherington-Smith has done a great job designing this new course after getting to know the event last year.”
Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob OLD. Photo by Thomas Ix.
Lying close behind in third is Germany’s Ingrid Klimke with SAP Hale Bob OLD, who scored a 21.9. This pair is fresh off a string of wins: the ERM CIC3* at Wiesbaden in May, the Kreuth CIC2* in April, and the European Championships at Strzegom and Aachen CICO3* last year. This pair, too, has represented Germany in multiple championships including the Olympic Games.
“I’m just so happy, he could not have done it any better!,” Ingrid says. “He was fresh but relaxed. I felt he was very expressive, especially in his extended trot and canter.”
Of cross country, she says, “The course looks amazing. It has everything you want from a good three-star course. If you want to get near the optimum time however, you will need to set up the right pace throughout your round.”
The sole American rider in the CIC3* is Woods Baughman, who piloted Maverick McNamara to a score of 35.4 — read Jenni’s post-test interview with Woods here.
Much more to come. Go Eventing!
Luhmühlen Meßmer Trophy CIC3* Dressage Top 10:
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