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Japanese rider Kazuma Tomoto dominated the dressage in the Longines CCI5*-L on day one of the Luhmühlen Horse Trials with Brookpark Vikenti (Master Imp x Tullineaskey Butler's Simon), Japan Racing Association's 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, on a score of 25.2. He is followed by Tim Price (NZL) and Ascona M (Cassaro x Naomi), Mrs. Suzanne Houchin, Lucy and Ben Sangster, and Sir Peter Vela's 11-year-old Holsteiner mare, in second place on a score of 25.8. Alexander Bragg (GBR) and Zagreb (Perion x Renera), Philip and Sally Ellicott's 15-year-old KWPN gelding, round out the top three on a 29.7.
Tomoto was over the moon after his performance this afternoon. “I can’t believe we took the lead today. This morning my horse was slightly tense, so I tried to make him feel as relaxed possible. The horse is naturally a very good mover, so my plan worked out!”
Price was equally happy with his mare, Ascona M. “I am very glad my horse was performing the way she did today. I didn’t want to risk too much and she could have been a little more uphill, but she was concentrating on the job so I am very pleased.”
Representing the United States, Allie Knowles and Sound Prospect (Eastern Echo x Miners Girl), the Sound Prospect LLC's 17-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, currently sit in 12th place on a score of 38.5. The second half of the CCI5*-L will perform their dressage tests tomorrow starting at 2:00 p.m. local time.
Thoughts on the Longines CCI5*-L Cross Country
Kazuma Tomoto: “I think it‘s a typical CCI5*-L course. There are many technical questions and a lot of turns along the course which require well-ridden horses. However, the fences are not too big and I am looking forward to riding my naturally fast horse around this beautiful course.”
Andreas Ostholt: “The cross-country course is not what you would call ‘old school’ with plenty of big and wide jumps. There are a number of technical questions, which require concentration from riders and horses. Especially the water complexes are demanding a lot of foresight and concentrated riding. However, all fences have been built with clear questions, which makes this a very fair course.”
Tim Price: “It’s a technical course with plenty of questions and variety. The grounds have been beautifully prepared, providing the best possible basis for this exciting course. Staying within the optimum time, however, might be challenging.”
Click here for more photos from the first day of dressage at Luhmühlen.
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