Carl Hester claimed 1st and 2nd in the Somerford Park Premier League Dressage Grand Prix sponsored by LeMieux on Saturday May 27th with the super-talented Fame (77.98%) and his Tokyo ride En Vogue (74.54%).
Fresh from success at Hickstead and proving back on top form after a rest from competition in 2022, Carl commented:
"They're very 'goey' horses, that's how I would describe them, they're brilliant horses to ride, I'm so lucky to have two horses to ride of this calibre, especially at this stage in my life!"
On his new ride and Grand Prix successor for 2023 so far, Carl said:
"Fame is one of those horses that makes Grand Prix look easy, he's so clever and talented, nice to ride and fun."
Carl took over the ride of the 16.2hh bay stallion from Fiona Bigwood in 2023. With a handful of wins at Hartpury, Tolbert and Hickstead so far, the year looks set to be an exhilarating experience for not only Carl but for his fans too.
However, will Carl's other ride En Vogue be allowing many victories to slip through the net as his campaign for this season seems only just to be getting underway?
"En Vogue is experienced but it's only his second Grand Prix this year and he's only beginning to get fit, find his feet and I wanted some nice shows in the UK - Somerford is the perfect setting - I'm trying to find something every two weeks at the moment. His test got better and better today."
Said Carl of the KWPN 17hh gelding.
Rounding off the top 3 at Somerford, out of a field of 21 horse and rider combinations was Alexander Harrison, riding MSJ Top Secret (68.67%).
Feature image
Carl Hester & Fame. Image credit Lucy Hall Photography
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