Up-and-coming dressage rider beats world best in World Cup

Up-and-coming Danish rider Cathrine Dufour has beaten the world’s best to win the opening leg of the FEI World Cup Dressage 2017/2018 series on home turf in Herning.

World champion

The 14-strong field included reigning World Cup champion Isabell Werth, who recently took triple-gold at the European Championships in Gothenburg. However, the 48-year-old German wasn’t competing her number one horse, Weihegold, and had to settle for runner-up spot with Don Johnson FRH.

Sweden’s Patrik Kittel and Delaunay OLD were third with 81.095.

‘Johnny’ was on top form, throwing a buck as he entered the arena, before producing a Freestyle that was full of power and collection to take the lead with a score of 83.755.

Cool head

However, Cathrine kept a cool head that belied her young years and her complex test on board Atterupgaards Cassidy was awarded a winning mark of 85.945, much to the delight of Danish fans.

“The last time I competed in a World Cup was two years ago, and we finished second to last,” said Cathrine. “So I wanted to improve on that for sure! Isabell has beaten me the whole season, but yesterday and today my horse was so relaxed and easy.

“I smiled during the Freestyle, because if you practice something at home and finally bring it into the ring then you feel really good about it.”

‘Getting hungry’

Cathrine and Cassidy, who have have been together since Junior level, won European bronze in the Grand Prix Special and Freestyle this summer. She didn’t plan to compete in the World Cup season, but after this win said she is “ getting a bit hungry!”.

“I didn’t train with him since Gothenburg until the last few days before coming here to Herning,” she said. “My end goal is always to take care of him, so I better go home and make a plan and discuss things with my coach. We will see….”

The FEI World Cup Dressage 2017/2018 Western European League now heads to Lyon in France on 5 November.

You can watch all the World Cup action right here on H&C. FEI World Cup Dressage: Herning premieres on 27 October at 8pm on Sky 253 and online via H&C Play or Amazon Video. The show will then be available to watch on Catch Up.