Paris, France – April 4, 2018 – The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) has validated the definitive entries of the 17 finalists from nine nations for the FEI Dressage World Cup Finals, including the title holder Isabell Werth riding for Germany. Werth will try to clinch her fourth world title at the AccorHotels Arena in Paris this year.
World #1 Werth starts as big favorite, especially if she chooses to saddle her “parade” mare Weihegold, which is not yet certain.
“For the moment it is 50-50,” Werth said. “Emilio made a great trip to Amsterdam and I prepare my two horses the same way. I have until April 9 to decide which horse I will enter.”
With Emilio, the competition would be more open with opponents like Swedish Patrick Kittel, winner in London or Dutchman Edward Gal, winner of this World Cup in 2010.
“One can never know with this sport, in which the horses decide in the end,” she explained. “We know that everything is always possible. I’m aware that I’m a favorite. Well, I’m the big favorite, but I’m staying vigilant because I know anything can happen. I will not go into the AccorHotels Arena thinking it’s a done deal.”
The Grand Prix for the FEI World Cup Dressage Finals is set to kick-off on Friday, April 13th, at 3:30 p.m. in Paris, and 9:30 a.m. EST. The Grand Prix Freestyle is scheduled to begin on Saturday, April 14th at 2 p.m. in Paris, and 8 a.m. EST.
FEI World Cup Finals Dressage Entries
Country/Rider/Horse
AUT / Belinda Weinbauer / Söhnlein Brilliant MJ
BLR / Hanna Karasiova / Zodiak
DEN / Daniel Bachmann Andersen / Blue Hors Zack
DOM / Yvonne Losos De Muniz / Foco Loco W
FRA / Henry Ludovic / After You
GBR / Emile Faurie / Delatio
GBR / Hayley Watson-Greaves / Rubins Nite
GER / Dorothee Schneider / Sammy Davis Jr.
GER / Jessica Von Bredow-Werndl / Unee BB
GER / Isabell Wirth / Weihegold OLD
NED / Edward Gal / Glock’s Zonier N.O.P.
NED / Madeleine Witte-Vrees / Cennin
PHI / Ellesse Tzinberg / Triviant 2
RUS / Inessa Merkulova / Mister X
SWE / Patrik Kittel / Deja
SWE / Tinne Vilhelmson Sillven / Paridon Magi
USA / Shelly Francis / Danilo
USA / Laura Graves / Verdades