The first two days of thrilling equestrian dressage at the Paris 2024 Olympics have concluded, with the British team securing qualification for the team final (Saturday’s Grand Prix Special), as well as all three members making the individual medal decider (Sunday’s Freestyle).

Combinations were split into six groups of 10 and the top two from each group secured direct qualification for the Freestyle. The next best placed six riders also qualified. Becky Moody and powerful Jagerbomb qualified directly, while Carl Hester and focused Fame were in the latter group of qualified riders.

Yesterday morning it was Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale’s chance to bid for a place in the final. Their 78.913% scoring test didn’t quite make the top two in their competitive section, but once the day had played out, they were able to make the next best placed six alongside Carl.

“First to go on the second day is not always the best position, but I think in this weather (it was another very hot day) it was really to our advantage,” the reigning world champion said. “Glamourdale doesn’t know that, he just goes in and sees the crowd and he had a great time in there. And I think the moment at the end was very special, with him very relaxed, on a long rein and enjoying the cheering and the flags waving!”

The team’s combined score sat them in third position, behind leaders Germany and second placed team Denmark.

“That test is what we needed to do,” added Charlotte. “Our whole team the last two days has really performed amazingly and really put us in a good position for the weekend.”

Germany wows the judges

Team Germany overtook the first-day leaders from Denmark when the Grand Prix drew to a close, giving them a boost as they continue on their mission to lift their 15th Olympic dressage team title.

Germany’s Isabell Werth scored 79.363% with her new ride, Wendy.

“She was so focused and so with me that it was amazing,”, said Isabell who is competing at her seventh Olympic Games. “We have only done six or seven Grand Prix, but it’s so amazing how we are growing together and how honest she is to me.

“She is only a 10-year-old horse and as they get older they get more muscles, they get more power, they get more experience so everything works together. Riding her is really a pleasure.”

There was less than two percentage points between the two top teams, Germany completing with 237.546% while the Danish total was 235.730%. Team GB closely followed with 231.196%.

Oher nations to qualify for the final were The Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, France, Austria, Finland and Australia.

The Grand Prix scores were purely for qualification purposes, so now all riders will start from scratch within both the team and individual finals.

Images by FEI/Benjamin Clark

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