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 Canada's representative to the World Cup Finals, Belinda Trussell and Royan II, put in another strong showing in Europe this past weekend, this time at the CDI*** Dortmund in Dortmund, Germany.
Competing in the Grand Prix (Qualifier for Kur), Trussell and Royan II rode to a score of 67.83% and 7th place in a strong field of international riders who included class winner Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff of Germany (71.38%) and second place finisher Isabel Werth (70.58%). Only one percentage pointed separated 3rd through 7th places making this a very tight class and Trussell's achievements all the more impressive.
"I am thrilled with my result in Dortmund," exclaimed a jubilant Trussell. "Top European riders compete at Dortmund and I was so pleased to place among such company!"
In the Grand Prix Kur, the duo earned 67.24% (11th place). The class was again won by Germany's Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff and Wahajama Unicef with a score of 77.42%.
After using the CDI-W Neumunster last month as a confidence builder for Royan II, Trussell's goal for Dortmund's outing was to add more expression in their tests. "That is exactly what Royan did, he was electric, expressive and it was a clean test," explained Trussell. "The increase in percentage points from the two shows was clear to what I need to do at the World Cup Finals. My goal for the Finals is to keep that expression we had in Dortmund and ride another clean test."
With only 3 weeks remaining before the World Cup Finals, Trussell will now focus on preparing her Kur. "My main focus for the last two shows has been to improve my Grand Prix and we have accomplished that, so now I have the time to focus on the freestyle." With Royan II feeling strong and fit, Trussell is looking forward to the World Cup Finals.
Trussell and Royan II were the winners of the Canadian League World Cup Finals held at the Royal Winter Agricultural Fair during November of 2003. This will be their first time representing Canada at the World Cup Finals. The pair were also part of the Canadian Team who competed at the 2003 European Dressage Championships (Hickstead, England) and earned Canada a berth to the 2004 Olympic Games.
The World Cup Finals will be held April 1-4, 2004 in Dusseldorf, Germany. For ticket information, please visit www.duesseldorf-masters.de .
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Dressage Canada, as a committee of Equine Canada, is the National governing body for Dressage in Canada. Dressage Canada's objective is to foster the growth of Dressage and the pursuit of excellence in the sport at the local, national and international levels. Dressage Canada provides support and guidance to both amateur and professional through the following programs: coaching education and programs, officials education and programs, rules & qualifying criteria, sport development, publications & awards. For more information about Dressage Canada email info@dressagecanada.org, or visit us online at www.dressagecanada.org
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