The Netherlands’ Edward Gal and the super-stallion Moorlands Totilas overcame all the pressure and tension to claim the 25th anniversary FEI World Cup™ Dressage title in ‘s-Hertogenbosch this afternoon. Gal’s stallion was tipped to take the honours throughout the entire 2009/2010 FEI World Cup™ Dressage season during which he secured his third record-breaking score of 2009 at London Olympia last December. But two days ago fellow-Dutch rider Adelinde Cornelissen took advantage of an edgy test from her team-mate to win the preliminary Grand Prix with a great performance from Jerich Parzival, and for the first time in a long while, Gal’s stallion began to look vulnerable. Today however he was considerably more composed as he strutted his way to victory by a margin of almost seven percentage points – "When I came into the arena I thought it could be better – and it was!" said the relieved 40 year old rider who clinched the trophy for The Netherlands for the tenth time.
Worthwile
Brett Parbery made his trip all the way from New South Wales in Australia worthwhile when opening the Freestyle to Music finale with a great rhythmic test from the 14 year old Victory Salute which earned a mark of 70.55%. He will hurry home to join his pregnant wife, but will return to the stables of Edward Gal to prepare for selections for the WEG with his wife and hopefully a healthy baby. “I like the Dutch and I like to train with Edward and his partner Nicole Werner, so it will be quit some thrilling moments to come