Brits finish just off dressage podium

BRITAIN were frustratingly close to securing medals at the European Dressage Championships in Gothenburg (22-26 August).

Germany took the top spot in the team competition, while Germany’s Isabell Werth also secured gold in the grand prix special and the freestyle with Weihegold OLD.

Britain’s riders were off to a challenging start when Gareth Hughes’ ride Don Carissimo was withdrawn due to injury, leaving them a team member short.

The Brits finished just two points short of the bronze medal, which was won by Sweden, with Denmark taking silver.

Carl Hester and Nip Tuck were Britain’s highest placed combination in the freestyle and grand prix special, finishing in fourth and fifth place respectively.

“It hasn’t really been our week — it started with losing Gareth just minutes before the trot-up, which was really sad for him,” said Carl. “[There was] a lot of pressure on our team.

“We were a very close fourth which nobody will remember except us, as it almost feels like you haven’t featured, but we’re fourth in a European Championship.

“Who would have ever thought two scores of 72% and one just under 75% don’t result in a medal? It’s quite gutting really.

“We mustn’t think it’s not good, it’s great. It’s just not good enough to be in those top three.”