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Tables turned Dutch rider overtakes German rival in dressage
SYDNEY, Australia (AP) -- The six-year battle between the two brightest stars in individual equestrian dressage took a dramatic turn, with the Netherlands rider overtaking a German rider to top the standings. Anky van Grunsven and Bonfire of the Netherlands overtook Isabell Werth and Gigolo of Germany Friday (Thursday night EDT) in the Grand Prix Special test, when Gigolo did not perform as well as expected. Christine Traurig, of Carlsbad, Calif., riding Etienne, and Susan Blinks, of Wellington, Fla., on Flim Flam improved on their team scores from Wednesday. Traurig earned a 70.93 percent Friday for a combined score of 140.77. Blinks earned 71.2 percent, for 140.2 combined. "Etienne felt a little more tired today," said Traurig. "He did exactly what I asked him to do." Traurig finished the day in 10th place and Blinks in 11th. They both qualified for the Grand Prix Freestyle ride Saturday, the final phase of the individual competition, but are out of medal contention. "I was really psyched," Blinks said of Flim Flam. "He's really on. He's definitely getting better and better."
Werth had been leading after the team Grand Prix test on Wednesday, but scored 75.67 percent Friday to 78.13 percent by Van Grunsven. The combined percent scores from the two tests put Van Grunsven comfortably ahead of Werth, 153.13 to 151.99, for the individual medals. Robert Dover, of Flemington, N.J., rode off course briefly on Ranier, and then the horse lost his concentration and kicked out several times. They finished with 63.9 percent. Foltaire, the other U.S. horse, was withdrawn due to a possible hoof abcess, according to team coach Jessica Ransehousen. Foltaire was the mount of Guenter Seidel, of Del Mar, Calif. Gigolo had some stiff steps at the beginning of his test that cost him dearly. His competition here is now not only Bonfire but his three German teammates who are in third and tied for fourth. Werth and Gigolo won the gold in Atlanta in 1996, with Van Grunsven and Bonfire taking the silver. They both have announced that their longtime partners, each 17, will retire after the Olympics. "I am so pleased with Bonfire," said Van Grunsven. "He's the best horse in the world."
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