German and Dutch riders sitting pretty for dressage medals
The script for the individual gold in pure dressage continued as many had predicted, with Germany's Isabell Werth and the Netherlands' Anky Van Grunsven leading the way last night. Werth with Satchmo took first and Van Grunsven on Salinero finished second in the Grand Prix Special.
The showdown for the gold medal will take place on Tuesday, with the top 15 from last night advancing to the Grand Prix Freestyle. That's where either Werth's quest for a sixth gold medal or Van Grunsven's third straight individual gold will come to a climax.
Van Grunsven, however, was not overly pleased with her performance. 'I'm a little disappointed about my stupid mistakes and happy about the rest,' said Van Grunsven, who scored 74.96 per cent. 'But everybody knows I don't give up until the end so we have to focus on the next test.'
Werth, too, made an error when her horse began to go backwards at the first piaffe.
'I was a bit upset and then the most important thing was to get him back as soon as possible,' said Werth, who scored 75.2 per cent. 'I don't know what happened out there. I have to watch the video to see and analyse.'
Sitting in third is Germany's Heike Kemmer, who was pleased with her test and looking forward to a shot at a bronze medal. 'I'm really happy with my ride,' said Kemmer, who scored 73 per cent. 'I hoped to score 74, but ... I'm third and that makes me really happy.'