Dressage rider sets Irish record in Grand Prix

Watch highlights from Judy Reynolds’ previous performance at the FEI Nations Cup leg in Odense.

Dressage rider Judy Reynolds has recorded Irelands’ highest ever dressage score in an international Grand Prix Freestyle.

Very happy

Riding the 13-year-old Vancouver K, Judy was awarded 77.425%at the second leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage in Lyon.

Judy’s score saw her finish fifth in the world-class competition. Spanish rider Beatriz Salat-Ferrer won the class with Delgado, on a score 82.875%.

“This was only our first competition since the Europeans, so I’m very happy!” said Beatriz, who won bronze at the European Championships in August.

Female victory

Just behind her was Sweden’s Patrik Kittel and Deja (81.175) who produced the funkiest test in town, to a Stevie Wonder soundtrack.

Fabienne Lutkemeier and D’Agostino from Germany were third (79.850), ahead of Switzerland’s Marcel Krinke Susmelj riding Smeyers Molberg (78.000%).

There was another female victory in Lyon, with Penelope Leprevost winning the third leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping on Flora de Mariposa. This is the French rider’s second win in the 2015/2016 season, having taken the first leg in Norway with the same super-talented mare.

Out of 40 starters in France, just seven made it through to the jump-off with Penelope producing the fastest clear in a time of 40.64sec.

Brave and clever

“She is one of the best mares in the world, she is so brave and clever – she’s very, very special,” said Penelope.“I saw Romain go and also Christian and they were so fast that I didn’t know if I could be faster. But Flora is very, very quick – she’s just amazing.”

Christian Ahlmann and Taloubet Z took the runner-up spot (41.27sec), while last weekend’s winners in Helsinki, Romain Duguet and Quorida de Treho, were third (42.27sec).

You can see the FEI Nations Cup series on H&C at thefollowing times.