Dujardin and Valegro storm Las Vegas

We may only have one British rider competing in the World Cup, but when it’s defending champion Charlotte Dujardin – that’s all you need.

‘Bit flat’

Charlotte and Valegro didn’t disappoint on the opening day of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final in Las Vegas yesterday, winning the Grand Prix with more than 6% in hand.

Charlotte had been concerned Valegro was “a bit flat” since arriving in Vegas. But the reigning World, European and Olympic title-holders left the competition trailing with a score of 85.414%.

“I really worried, he just wasn’t himself,” said Charlotte. “The temperature and jet lag really hit him. Luckily today he was much better and he picked up and knew he had to perform. He just never lets me down.”

‘Big surprise’

The Netherlands’ Edward Gal and Glock’s Undercover were in second place on 79.057%.

The home crowd was thrilled when American Steffen Peters came third riding Legolas (76.843%). Last time the World Cup Finals came to Vegas in 2009, the 50-year-old won the title.

“It’s a big surprise to a lot of people and myself too!” said Steffen, whose horse hasn’t been on great form recently. “I knew if we wanted to qualify for Las Vegas we needed to change things drastically. We prepared a lot, and I’m thrilled because it has worked out beautifully.”

Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl was fourth with Unee BB (74.843%), while the USA’s Laura Graves and Verdades were fifth (74.314%).

Hotly tipped

Laura was hotly tipped to challenge Charlotte in the final, after a great run on the Florida circuit. But the arena layout, with its close proximity to the crowd, got the better of the 13-year-old gelding.

“He was at 80% in the warm-up, but he was nervous going in and he was really hot down the first centerline,” said Laura.

With all 18 competitors scoring well over the required 60%, everyone will go through to the Freestyle tomorrow (18 April) which will decide the 2015 champion.