The second day of the international four-star dressage show in Achleiten is already history. The highlight, the Grand Prix Special, the most difficult dressage test in the world, took place on Saturday afternoon. On the day before the Austrian Olympic team was nominated after the Grand Prix of the mandatory show. In addition to Victoria Max-Theurer, Florian Bacher und Christian Schumach, Astrid Neumayer and Belinda Weinbauer were chosen as substitutes.
Just like on Friday the number one in the world, Isabell Werth, once again demonstrated her skill with Emilio 107 and took the clear victory in the Grand Prix of the Special Tour with 76.915 percent. Second place was taken by her compatriot Nicole Casper, who completed the test with Birkhof's Topas FBW and impressive 73.809 percent. Florian Bacher also had a reason to celebrate, who - as the last rider in the castle park arena - took third place with Fidertaum and his personal best score in the Grand Prix Special (73.256).
"We are very happy with today's round. The feeling was even better than yesterday. Unfortunately I made two small mistakes. But I am extremely happy. The last two days were really good for us," Bacher's conclusion was very satisfying and he was also pleased about his personal best score, "Personal best scores are always good. They are a great reward for all the hard work we do day after day. There's definitely potential for more and with this confidence we'll travel to Tokyo. Some of the judges who were in Achleiten will be there as well. So this was a great dress rehearsal for us."
For the Olympic team the stressful time is only starting now. In the next couple of days a lot of documents for the riders and the horses have to be prepared. "There's still a lot of work ahead of us. There are many standards we have to meet beforehand and the horses need certain examinations. Now we are ready to focus on the Olympic Games in Toyko and start with the concrete preparations and detailed planning," Bacher, the current national champion in dressage, explained. He wants to give his "Fider" a break during the next days.
Even though the decision concerning the Olympic Games was only made the day before, the 36-year-old, for whom it will be the second participation, gave a careful prognosis, "We have a very good team and I think it's absolutely realistic that we'll participate in the Special team event. We'll have to see about the individual competition. I'll take it easily. We want to show great rounds in Japan - and then we'll have to see where it takes us."
N°4 FEI Grand Prix Spezial (CDI4*)
1. Isabell Werth (GER), Emilio 107, 76,915 percent
2. Nicole Casper (GER), Birkhof’s Topas FBW, 73,809
3. Florian Bacher (AUT), Fidertraum, 73,256
4. Jeanna Hogberg (SWE), Lorenzo, 73,149
5. Estelle Wettstein (SUI), Quaterboy, 70,979
6. Christian Schumach (AUT), Te Quiero, 70,894
7. Anna Buffini (GER), FRH Davinia la Douce, 70,426
8. Belinda Weinbauer (AUT), Fustanella OLD, 69,851
9. Renate Voglsang (AUT), Fürst Ferdinand zur Fasanenhöhe, 69,064
10. Katie Johnson (USA), Quartett, 69,043
11. Astrid Neumayer (AUT), Zap Zap, 65,404
12. Ulrike Prunthaller (AUT), Bartlgut’s Quarz, Eliminated