LYON, France, Oct. 31, 2024–German superstar Isabell Werth began her 26th year of World Cup competitions with victory on DSP Quantaz in the CDI-W Grand Prix Thursday.
Isabell, the most decorated equestrian in Olympic history and current world No. 1 rider, and the 14-year-old German Sport Horse gelding scored 76.457% for the win in a start of her campaign for the Final next April. The pair placed third in this year’s Final.
Patrik Kittel of Sweden on the 12-year-old Touchdown, his 2024 World Cup champion partner and Paris Olympic mount, was runner-up on 74.935%.
France’s Pauline Basquin on the 14-year-old Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE was close behind for third on a personal best 74.761%. Pauline and Sertorius in almost three years at Big Tour have competed on French teams at the Paris Games, the 2022 World Championships and the European Championships last year.
Larissa Pauluis of Belgium on her Tokyo and Paris Olympic mount Flambeau, 14-year-old KWPN. were awarded 73.913% for fourth place.
The Freestyle to determine points in the Western European League’s second qualifier is scheduled for Friday.
Results: