Edward Gal claims 10th National title
Dressage rider Edward Gal won this weekend with Glock’s Zonik N.O.P. his 3rd consecutive national title and the 10th overall national title. With these wins he is approaching the record held by Anky van Grunsven who won 13 titles during her dressage career. Silver was, like last year for Hans Peter Minderhoud with Glock’s Dream Boy N.O.P. For Emmelie Scholtens and Apache this was the first time on the national podium nevertheless bronze was for this elegant combination.
"This may be the tenth time but every time is special to me'" says the Dutch Champion. "Glock's Zonik N.O.P. has not been in the ring during the indoor season because he was not top fit. Since January he is doing better and better. During the training he was doing well. I've never had him in such good shape as this weekend."
Edward started the National Championship by winning the Grand Prix on Friday and in the finals he did even better. With a wonderful and seamless Freestyle he put his partner and silver winner Hans Peter Minderhoud at distance. Hans Peter Minderhoud and Glock’s Dream Boy N.O.P. had good results at the World Equestrian Games and during the FEI World Cup season. "It is only one year ago that the stallion had his first appearance at the highest level. In April Dream Boy had some rest and as an approved stallion he also had other obligations. So I'm very pleased with the way he presented here and our results," says Minderhoud. The judges appreciated the final test with 81,300%.
For Emmelie Scholtens this was the first time on the Dutch podium: "I'm so happy with this medal, especially because I'm standing next to some top riders! Today I had quite a rough ride with Apache. The wind was quite boisterous which frightened Apache a few times. But furthermore he also showed some really nice elements during the test. " Besides Apache, Emmelie als has the stallion Desperado at Grand Prix level. "We will see during this outdoor season which horse is best for the FEI European Championships. The next observation is Geesteren, there I will start Desperado. Let's see how this will work out as Desperado is a very delicate horse. Maybe he needs some more time."
For chef d'equipe Alex van Silfhout this National Championship was his first observation this season. "Overall the results were very good. We have a great set of riders and horses and we've started a central training program. Everybody is highly motivated. That's an important starting point. The main goal are the Longines FEI European Championships in Rotterdam this summer. The next observation is Geesteren in the 3rd weekend of June. Maybe I also choose Aachen as another qualifier before I announce my team for Rotterdam."
Results National Championships Dressage, Seniors
Gold Edward Gal , Glock’s Zonik N.O.P. (v.Zack), 158.125
Silver Hans Peter Minderhoud, Glock’s Dream Boy N.O.P. (v.Vivaldi), 149.541
Bronze Emmelie Scholtens , Apache (v.UB-40), 148.991