All to play for in Amsterdam, FEI Dressage News

December 30, 2004

With just three qualifiers to go before the final (Dusseldorf April 1-4th), the high quality competition that has been a feature from the start of this 2003/4 FEI World Cup Dressage season is set to continue in Amsterdam this weekend.

Standings leader Heike Kemmer, way ahead on 72 points, is out to cement her lead with her experienced campaigner Albano. Dutch diva Anky van  Grunsven, in third place on 37 points after her resounding victory in Maastricht, brings Gestion Salinero to the Amsterdam party, while Sven Rothenberger, in fourth place on 36, again campaigns Barclay, a full brother to World Cup winner Brentina.

While Emma Hindle, currently second in the standings, is still taking a break, the two other British riders due in Amsterdam were thwarted by snowy weather. Both Richard Davison's mount Ballaseyr Royale and Carl Hester's Escapado were bandaged up ready to be transported from Davison's stable in Staffordshire when the snow came, and kept coming. Said a disappointed Davison, "I kept in contact with Organiser Chris van Dam, so when we realised it was too risky to make the show on time, we thought it was better that he could invite two wait-listed riders." Kyra Kyrklund did make it from England, but she sent Andiamo Thyme a day earlier. The Finnish former World Cup champion's prime objective this year is to qualify, through the rankings, for an individual slot at the Athens Olympics. Despite her second place at the Stockholm qualifier, however, and her world cup record last year with Andiamo Thyme, which resulted in the offer of a wild card for the final, Kyrklund said she has found it difficult to get starts this season.

Another colourful combination, Spanish European silver and bronze medal winners Beatriz Ferrer-Salat and Beauvalais in their first qualifier this season, will also turn the heat up on the Dutch and German combinations.

For Germany, Berlin winner Hubertus Schmidt and Ann Kathrin Linsenhof will be challenging on their lovely mares Wansuela Suerte and Wahajama-Unicef respectively. With Isabell Werth, who rides Anthony FRH here, on level points with Sweden's Louise Nathhorst and Holland's Edward Gal just two points above Linsenhoff in the standings, the margins are small and winning points in Amsterdam is crucial for those
in the hunt for a ticket to Dusseldorf.

It all starts with the Jumping Amsterdam Prijs, tomorrow's qualifying grand prix, with the main contest to the sound of music on Saturday.

Timetable:
Friday 30th January, 08.30-12.00, Jumping Amsterdam Prijs Grand Prix
Saturday 31st January, 15.00-17.30, FEI World Cup Dressage Freestyle Qualifier