Rio-bound Charlotte Dujardin impresses at Hartpury

Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro proved they’re still on top form when winning the Grand Prix Freestyle at Hartpury’s Festival of Dressage.

Premiere

The Olympic World and European champions used the event as a test run ahead of next month’s Rio Games, and they also took the opportunity to premiere their new Olympic music.

Composed by Tom Hunt – the mastermind behind Charlotte and Valegro’s London 2012 and How to train your dragon routines – the new freestyle music has a distinct Carnival theme in keeping with Rio.

Last to go, the pair dazzled the Hartpury crowd to score 90.625% – a clear 17% ahead of second placed Henriette Anderson with Warlocks Charm.

Ireland’s Roland Tong and Rybrook Ambience came third with Stephanie Croxford fourth with Mr Hyde.

Grand Prix

In the Grand Prix Britain’s four selected Olympic athletes filled the top four places with Charlotte and Valegro duly coming out on top with 83.280%.

Carl Hester and Nip Tuck were second (78.200) with Spencer Wilton (Super Nova II) and Fiona Bigwood (Atterupgaards Orthilia) taking third and fourth respectively.

Carl and Nip Tuck also came top of Sunday’s Grand Prix Special scoring 79.216%.