Laura Bechtolsheimer and Andretti H (pictured) took second place in their first grand prix special test at Lyon CDI in France, 30 October-2 November 2008, moving up from fourth in the invitation only grand prix.

 

Bechtolsheimer has had the ride on the 13-year-old 16.3hh German-bred gelding by Aarking since April and became national grand prix champion with him in September.

 

“It was by far our best grand prix performance yet. In the special, ‘Andy’ stepped the power up a notch. Although bits of the test were spectacular, we did have a few moments when adrenalin took control of Andy,” said Bechtolsheimer, who is entered for Stuttgart CDI-W with Andy and her Olympic partner Mistral Hojris at the end of this month.

 

Dane Rawlins and Sydney finished 13^th in the grand prix and seventh in the grand prix freestyle.

 

Anky van Grunsven and Painted Black headed both the grand prix and freestyle with Nathalie Zu Saeyn Wittgenstein and Rigoletto winning the special.