Germany’s Ann-Kathrin Linsenhoff had her moment of triumph in the FEI World Cup Dressage Freestyle B Final as Renoir-UNICEF’s superior paces won through to head the six-strong class on a 76.15 score.

Linsenhoff bore her disappointment well after the qualifying grand prix. She said: “Renoir is wonderful when he works with me but he let me down, and when that happens, he just becomes a very big horse for me to ride through the test.” Although not mistake-free today, the huge chestnut was more on his rider’s side to win ahead of Canada’s Leslie Reid and Mark.

US judge Axel Steiner was at C for the class, which was appreciated by another huge and vociferous crowd. Steiner, who had the Canadian pair in pole position, commented: “ It was a good competition, especially from the top two riders. It was a very nice recovery for Leslie Reid who was truly dancing with her horse. Renoir is a high quality horse who showed some high quality movements, including a wonderful walk, but at times the chips were down technically. But all the horses were generally improved from their grand prix tests, and looked more relaxed second time in the arena.”

If this class – and the scores achieved - are anything to go by, for Saturday’s FEI World Cup Freestyle Final we can expect a true Vegas-style high-rolling razzamatazz extravaganza. In the first ever event to combine both the jumping and dressage Finals, the 2005 FEI World Cup Dressage Champion will be crowned first and can expect a roof-raising reception. As Axel Steiner emphasised: “ The most amazing thing about this show is the crowds.”

Result
FEI World Cup Final, presented by Offield Farms
– B Final freestyle
1, Renoir UNICEF (A-K Linsenhoff GER) 76.15
2, Mark (L. Reid CAN) 74.35
3, Artax Condor (E. Sidneva RUS) 74.125
4, Le Primeur 2 (M-L Wettstein SUI) 72.05
5, Quantum Tyme (E. Strasser CAN) 70.075
6, Galant du Serein (C. Parra COL) 66.075

Timetable
Saturday 23rd April 7.15
FEI World Cup Dressage Final – Freestyle to Music presented by Offield Farms

For further information
www.worldcuplasvegas.com

www.horsesport.org

Media Contact: Marty Bauman, Classic Communications
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