last updated on December 14, 2006 00:00

Holland’s Imke Schellekens-Bartels won her first FEI World Cup qualifier at Olympia, The London International Horse Show, 12-18 December, by the narrowest of leads over Germany’s top rider Isabell Werth and Warum Nicht FRH.

Only last month at Maastricht CDI-W in Holland, the placings were reversed. Here Imke rode a mistake-free test with her partner of two years, the 12-year-old Hannoverian mare Sunrise. They scored 79.5%, the same as in Maastricht.

Canadian Cara Whitham, chairman of the judges, said: “The freestyle for me has to be a true dance combining horse, rider and music. Tonight I was impressed by Imke and Sunrise, who also showed quite a degree of difficulty and made it look easy.”

Just 0.15% behind, Isabell Werth’s Warum Nicht was affected by the electric atmosphere and spooked a couple of times.

 “I cannot blame my horse. The Olympia arena is impressive and he was impressed too,” said Isabell.

British-based Finnish rider Kyra Kyrklund rode her new “Cabaret” kür with Max to take third place on 76.4%.

Britain’s Laura Bechtolsheimer and Douglas Dorsey were back in action for the first time since the World Equestrian Games as shortly afterwards Laura was seriously ill with a kidney infection. They took sixth place with an impressive 73.4%.

“Douglas was excited to be back. The break seems to have done him good as he was powerful and fun to ride,” said Laura.

Spencer Wilton and Dolendo finished seventh on 72.2% at their first World Cup qualifier while another debutante Stephanie Croxford and Mr President IV also broke the 70% barrier with 70.9%. A true amateur, Stephanie did not seem hindered by her three-month pregnancy despite her Gelderlander’s extravagant paces.

Belgian judge Mariette Withages said: “Stephanie is an enthusiastic girl with an enthusiastic horse and they produced an enthusiastic performance. The horse needs to work more over the back and he was a little tight in the neck, but it is always refreshing to see this kind of ambition. It makes you smile.”

For the full results, click www.olympiahorseshow.com.