Charlotte Dujardin first Brit to win World Cup

Charlotte Dujardin has become the first British dressage rider to win the Reem Acra FEI Dressage World Cup Final after two stunning performances in Lyon with her invincible partner Valegro.

So emotional

It Charlotte’s FEI World Cup final debut, and they got things off to a winning start on Saturday when winning the Grand Prix with 87.129%, withHelen Langehanenberg (GER) and Edward Gal (NED) taking second and third respectively.

It set the tone for Sunday’s Freestyle final, when Charlotte and Valegro performed to a newly-created musical score from the animated filmHow to train your dragon.

“I had only ridden the test twice at home so I wasn’t as confident as I would be with my other music but I definitely think this is better than my old music,” said Charlotte.“We were just messing around at home when I came up with the idea of the piaffe/pirouette at the end which is technically difficult but, being the superstar he is, Valegro can do it.”

Clear lead

They pulled off the performance on the night, scoring 92.179% which put them nearly five percent ahead of the competition to win the Acra FEI World Cup Dressage title.

“I’m over the moon, coming here to my very first World Cup Final, it’s so fantastic,” said the world number one.“This was my first time with my new Freestyle and it was so much fun, this music is great and it was so emotional. It’s all you can ask for – a dream come true really.”

Two mistakes

Defending World Cup champions Helen Langehanenberg and Damon Hill NRW, had to settle for second place with a score of 87.339, while Netherlands’Edward Gal and Glock’s Undercover once again came third with 83.696.

“I had two mistakes today, and two is too many,” said Helen.“In between I had a great feeling but I took risks and when you take a risk then anything can happen. On the centreline we didn’t start together, but that’s the way it goes – but I’m absolutely happy.”

Highlights from the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final will be shownon Horse & Country TV at thefollowing times.

Horse & Country is available on sky 253 and online (UK/Ireland only) viaH&C Everywhere.