Luhmühlen Day Two: Julia Krajewski Is New CCI4* Dressage Leader, Boyd Martin Sits 20th

Boyd Martin and Crackerjack at Luhmühlen in 2016. Photo by Libby Law Photography. Boyd Martin and Crackerjack at Luhmühlen in 2016. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Yesterday’s Luhmühlen CCI4* leader Julien Despontin was nudged off his perch today by Germany’s Julia Krajewski and Samourai du Thot, who scored a 39.0 to become our leaders heading into cross country.

It was a dismal, soggy afternoon but Julia says the weather may have in fact given her “Sam,” a 10-year-old Selle Français, an unexpected boost

“I had planned to ride my test in lovely sunshine; instead we got rained on,” she said. “Sam was brilliant, though. In fact, I think the rain worked to our advantage, as he lifted his feet that little bit higher, making his trot work very strong. He was totally at ease with the atmosphere in front of the grandstand, which is why we were able to produce the test we did.”

Luhmühlen is both Julia and her mount’s first four-star attempt and they couldn’t have had a better lead-up to it this spring, most recently winning the Coral Estate H.T. Renswoude CIC3* at the beginning of the month.

Her plan for tomorrow: “I am hoping to give Sam a good and safe round, as he is a very careful jumper, and I want him to feel confident. He is fit and we should be able to produce a solid round.”

Julia Krajewski and Samourai du Thot. Photo by Thomas Ix.

Julia Krajewski and Samourai du Thot. Photo by Thomas Ix.

Belgium’s Julien Despontin and Waldano moved into second place, with Australia’s Emma Dougall and Belcam Bear on their heels in third. Fourth-positioned German Andreas Dibowski and It’s Me xx likewise may have benefitted from a little rain on their parade.

“Itsy was in top form today!” Andreas said. “The rain came just at the right time. It didn’t have to be quite as much, but it kept the horrid horseflies away! Earlier in the day Itsy was so annoyed with the horseflies, that I was really concerned how this would affect his performance in the dressage arena. With the rain the gelding was calm and focused, producing the test of his life!”

Andreas Dibowski and It’s Me xx. Photo by Thomas Ix.

Andreas Dibowski and It’s Me xx. Photo by Thomas Ix.

Boyd Martin and Lucy Boyton Lie’s Crackerjack lie in 20th heading into cross country on a score of 52.1. This pair is thirsty for redemption after their Badminton run ended early at the Vicarage Vee, as it did for many, in May, and we can’t wait to see them eat up tomorrow’s track. The ground looks perfect and riders are raving about the fair and inviting yet plenty-stiff track — best of luck to all!

Boyd Martin and Crackerjack. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Boyd Martin and Crackerjack. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

CIC3*

Here again fortunes shifted overnight, with Germany’s Sandra Auffarth and Opgun Louvo taking the lead of the German Championship on a dressage score of 32.7.

“He was exceptional today,” Sandra said. “He was concentrating throughout the test, working with me all the way. I think he feels at ease here in Luhmühlen and he enjoyed the test as much as I did.” The pair has taken part in many Championships before, but never had the opportunity to compete in the nationals together.”

Sandra Auffarth and Opgun Louvo. Photo by Thomas Ix.

Sandra Auffarth and Opgun Louvo. Photo by Thomas Ix.

Thursday leader Andrew Hoy of Australia and Cheeky Calimbo were relegated to second, and the top three was rounded out Ingrid Klimke, riding Horseware Hale Bob OLD. Said last year’s Luhmühlen CCI4* winner: “He was unbelievable today! Especially his trot work was fantastic. He was very expressive and I was able to really go for it — he gave me all I asked of him. The whole test was so enjoyable.”

Two Canadians are competing in the CIC3* division: Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee completed their test today and will head to cross country in ninth position (45.0)…

Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

… and Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master, whose Thursday dressage test landed in 21st (51.1.).

Like the CCI4* cross country track, positive remarks abound about the CIC3* course. From dressage leader Sandra Auffarth: “The course is beautifully built. All fences are inviting, asking all the questions a challenging cross-country course at this level needs. At the same time, there is plenty galloping in between.”

Click here for a preview of the course, and stay tuned for much more from Luhmühlen. The FEI TV broadcast of CCI4* cross country starts tomorrow at 8 a.m. EST. You can watch live at this link. Go Eventing.

Luhmühlen: WebsiteOrders of GoCCI4* Live ScoresCIC3* Live ScoresCourse PreviewFEI TVFacebookTwitter

CCI4* Top 10 after dressage

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CIC3* Top 10 after dressage

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