Jun 19, 2022

76 percent and great emotions

What a scene! Victoria Max-Theurer showed great emotion during her victory in the Grand Prix Special with her new sport partner Birkhof's Topas FBW after a personal record score of 76.34 percent.

"I'm just grateful that I get to ride this horse," cheered the four-time Olympic participant after the winning round in the boiling-hot Schlosspark quadrangle. Neither the horse nor the rider showed much signs of the morning heat battle at almost 30 degrees in the world's most difficult dressage competition.

Victoria Max-Theurer: "Topas has so much talent, he can do everything it takes for the Grand Prix and the Special. I can hardly believe how quickly we found each other. He already thinks like me, anticipates, is always completely with me and is fully motivated. At the same time, he is so sensitive and attentive. We simply have a great connection and the last results are fantastic with four constant tests in a row. I can only repeat myself: I am grateful to be able to ride this horse!"

Also the rest of the Austrian equipe presented itself in brilliant form at the compulsory tournament for the World Cup qualification for Herning (DEN, August 6-14, 2022). After the great result on Friday in the Grand Prix, Florian Bacher with Fidertraum OLD placed 2nd again in the Special on Sunday. Stefan Lehfellner, third in the Grand Prix on Friday with Roberto Carlos MT, was on his way to 2nd place in the Special with up to 75 percent, but sadly some tough change mistakes caused the duo to fall back to 4th place. In addition, Christian Schumach and Donna Karacho won the Grand Prix of the Freestyle Tour.

Overall, there was great praise for the red-white-red equipe from Tournament Director Sissy Max-Theurer: "The tournament went well, the performances were very good and it has clearly emerged who has recommended themselves for the Championships, i.e. the European Junior Championships in Hartpury and the World Championships in Herning. Florian Bacher has fulfilled all criteria, the rest will be decided by the Directorate on the proposal of the Dressage Department. But I assume that we will send a team to the World Championships because the performances were really appealing."

Victoria Max-Theurer was also pleased with the performance of her teammates: "The whole team was in very good shape, there were many strong rounds again, the atmosphere is very positive and motivating for each of us. I think that if everyone stays fit, we can present a good picture in Herning."