Monday April 5, 2004

Anky van Grunsven Wins 2004 World Cup Finals in Dusseldorf

Schmidt Excels, Kemmer Fails

The third placed rider in the freestyle was German Hubertus Schmidt, the crowds' favorite. Riding the elegant, charming mare Wansuele Suerte (by Warkant), Schmidt gave an example of what lightness, softness, and willingness really. If you had to point a finger at the one and only "happy horse" in the ring, the finger would be directed to Wansuele Seurte. Owned by Martina Teichert, Wansuela performed a kur on music by German pop star whose fame has not yet reached outside Germany. The music appealed much to the German fans who went bezerk after Schmidt's ride. The judges gave him 78.87%.

"I'm very pleased with my mare. I was not so on Friday when she was more tense and phlegmatic," Schmidt said. With his top 78% score, Schmidt can be added to the German Olympic team contestants. "I have not really planned much ahead than today. I first want to look at the outdoor season and the German Championships, before I can say something about qualifying for Athens," the level-headed Schmidt said.

Finishing fourth was the other title hopeful Heike Kemmer on Bonaparte (by Bon Bonaparte). Kemmer had a great World Cup season aboard her chestnut Hanoverian and was considered to be the only rider who could duel with Van Grunsven. While in the Grand Prix, the difference between the two riders was minimal, in the freestyle Kemmer was forced to risk it all but she blew it. Heike Kemmer was absolutely going for it and Bonaparte looked extraordinary. He was quicker to the aids, looked fresher and more electric at the beginning of the test, but when he scooted off in the extended canter, making an unrequested flying change at the end of the centerline, Kemmer had to slow him down. Bonaparte verged on losing his impulsion in the piaffe and Kemmer had to push him to keep him forward. When she halted at G, she knew that her 2004 World Cup Title had flown away. She received 78.650%