Gareth Hughes and Classic Goldstrike were winners of The Defender CDI4* FEI Dressage Grand Prix on the first day of Royal Windsor Horse Show yesterday (1 May).
Twelve combinations from seven different nations contested the Grand Prix on the first afternoon of the show, which began with Richard Davison treating spectators with a “Guinea Pig” test. The four-time Olympian wore a headset and gave commentary throughout his ride.
Gareth, part of the British gold medal winning team at the FEI European Championships last summer, and Classic Goldstrike, a chestnut gelding by Tango, took the premier position by over two percent. Their score – the only to break the 70% barrier – could not be matched and the pair were victorious.
“Does it get any better?” Gareth said. “The Castle Arena here at Royal Windsor Horse Show is beautiful, the spectators are great and you have that amazing view of Windsor Castle.
“There’s no expectation with him [Classic Goldstrike], he just steps up and delivers – he’s just the sweetest horse.
“He is a really special horse, we’ve had him since a baby. Both my daughter and wife have competed and won with him, and so he is a real family horse. He has never competed in a Freestyle competition before, but we are very excited for tomorrow!
“He will be doing the same Freestyle routine as my top horse, Classic Briolinca.”
Lead image of Gareth Hughes and Classic Goldstrike, winners of The Defender CDI4* FEI Dressage Grand Prix on the first day of Royal Windsor Horse Show 2024. Credit: Royal Windsor Horse Show/Peter Nixon
