Jane Gregory and Lucky Star took the runner-up slots in both the grand prix and FEI World Cup qualifier at Lipica CDI-W in Slovenia, 5-8 June 2008, thereby becoming the show’s overall points champion.

 

Jane also achieved her highest ever score with the 16.2hh 16-year-old Danish-bred gelding, 72.85%, in the World Cup freestyle test.

 

She said: “It was a nice bonus to have the best horse in the show. He felt so solid and secure. We only made one tiny mistake in the grand prix when he changed behind in the extended canter, which was my mistake as I was too bold.”

 

Jane’s recent run of success has propelled her into eighth place in the British Dressage Grand Prix Rankings and she will be continuing her campaign at Rotterdam CDIO, 18-22 June.

 

British riders took the next two places in the World Cup qualifier. Anna Ross-Davies, who was voted British Dressage Personality of the Year 2008 last weekend, rode Liebling II into third place after an uncharacteristicly low score in the grand prix, where they finished 10^th.

 

“The scoreboard gave a running total and he was up to 73% in the grand prix until he got too excited and we lost both pirouettes. He is only 11 and this is only our second grand prix season, so I can forgive him that,” said Anna.

 

Anna, who achieved the best British score at the European Championships last year after starting out as reserve, unveiled her new freestyle with the appropriate soundtrack I’ve had the time of my life from the film Dirty Dancing.

 

“I have two different ground patterns for this freestyle, one safe one and one with a spectacular ending. I decided to go for the safe option and was delighted with our first attempt,” said Anna, who is planning to contest the World Cup series this season.

 

Wayne Channon and Lorenzo CH, who won this class last year, scored 71.7% to take fourth place.