last updated on December 17, 2009 09:49

“For the first time in my life I was really looking forward to riding at Olympia, and then I saw the draw and it ruined my Christmas!.” joked Carl Hester,” who found himself in the unfortunate position of being the rider to follow the incredible partnership that is Edward Gal and Moorlands Totilas.

Totilas didn’t disappoint, even indoors he showed his great exuberance and all that amazing lift and power in his performance, scoring 83.66% to take the lead and then stay there. “He was a little tense going in,” said Edward, of the nine year old Gribaldi stallion, “But then I was pleased with him – but I am always pleased with him. He’s a really super horse and I’ve never felt a horse like this before and I don’t think I ever will again.”

Fellow Dutch rider Adelinde Cornelissen and Parzival came a pretty close second with 81.277%. Parzival, an eleven-year-old gelding by Jazz, also has great ground covering strides and a very expressive trot.

For both Carl and Laura Bechtolsheimer, sandwiched between these awesome combinations, it was difficult not to look a little understated. But Carl rode a mistake free test in his usual competent style, and the pair looked much happier than on their first outing here last year. “It was a lovely test, he was gorgeous,” said Carl, who was third with 72.21%, “It was the best he’s ever felt, but fancy going after Totilas!”

Laura and her second horse, fourteen-year-old Hanoverian Andretti H were fourth with 70.766%. The only American, Catherine Haddad and Cadillac were fifth, with Richard Davison and Hiscox Artemis in sixth. This was another combination that looks much more secure this year. “He’s really growing up now,” said Richard, “I’m able to ask more, I had a costly mistake in the extended canter and that affected the change, but I was really pleased with him. He needs another year, he’s only ten and my foot is not even half way on the accelerator.”

Olympia debutantes Judy Harvey and Fitzcerraldo were eighth on 67.745%, followed by Steph Croxford and Mr.President in ninth with 67.362%. Henriette Andersen and Louis d’Or came thirteenth on their first visit here.

Madeleine Hill reporting from the London International Horse Show at Olympia.

The competition concludes tonight, Wed 16th December at 8pm with the grand prix freestyle to music.

>> View start lists for the competition here
>> Watch live on BBC red button service, more info here
>> View the Olympia website here
>> Edward Gal's talks about his win here