Justine Vanagaite-Samuile and Nabab continued their great performances in Helsinki, delivering a stunning routine in Dressage Grand Prix Freestyle. The Lithuanian duo earned 73.77% from the judges, placing them ahead of the runner-up Mads Hendeliowitz with Autograf Q. The top three all scored over 70% –Hendeliowitz 71.44% and third placed Elisabeth Ehrnrooth on Daytona 70.21%.
Justina Vanagaite-Samuile and Nabab photo: Aino Tervonen
Vanagaite-Samuile made it a double in Helsinki with her win on Saturday and was very happy with their freestyle result.
“I’m really happy with my horse and our performance today. There were some small mistakes but overall I’m satisfied. This is a small arena, and the judges are really close but my horse is not bothered by that.”
This is the first time in Helsinki for the Lithuanian star, but she is quite sure it won’t be her last.
“To be honest, Helsinki Horse show has been trying to get me for two years and I always had other plans. This year I thought why not – I have a quite big audience in Finland, and also
my main sporter, who always goes with me to the biggest shows, is from Finland. She’s my friend and we have a really good relationship. So that’s why I was thinking that I need to come here. And I love it! I think you will also see me here the next time.”
Hendeliowitz, who took the second spot also in the Oslo Grand Prix freestyle last week, was very satisfied with their performance, especially after yesterday.
“My horse was a bit tense on the first day (yesterday), the same as last year. I also made some stupid mistakes myself. But today my horse felt really good and confident so that makes me very happy and satisfied.”
“It’s easy to ride here when all goes well, my horse is super sensitive and yesterday she was quite relaxed and then today fully relaxed. I’m very happy with what she did and with our performance.”
For Elisabeth Ehrnrooth’s Daytona, the competition was the first ever freestyle, so the homerider was naturally very happy after the Grand Prix.
“Today we improved even more and I’m very happy for her (horse). Still, I would’ve wished for more, but I think it was better than yesterday, especially the piaffes. But it’s small steps and we’ll work from this – I’m happy.”
Elisabet Ehrnrooth and Daytona photo: Aino Tervonen
The judges also enjoyed the freestyle programs of the top-placed riders.
“I think all three can be proud of their nice freestyles. It’s not easy to do a good because you have to take the opportunity, or the music, to show what you have and what you can do. I think the first two had very difficult freestyles – when you take risks and are able to perform it, you’ll get higher marks,” said the Dutch judge.
“Mads especially did better than yesterday and I liked his powerful music with the powerful horse, it was well chosen. I think he has a really talented mare with a nice outline and contact, so he should use that more and be proud of it. He can make it more difficult and then get higher marks for the next time,” she continued.
The president of the grand jury, Paula Nysten, found highlights in all of the top performances.
“I’ve seen Justina’s freestyle for several times, and I know what to expect. She just did what she always does, riding well to the music and having a lot of combinations and difficulties so that was well done again.”
“I was super happy with Mads, because yesterday there was some tension. Today she did some lovely piaffes, coming really collected and active.”
“I was also so happy about Elisabeth’s mare – she looks lovely, lively and very willing. Today everything was more there and when you get the piaffe still more in place, it will be great.
Grand Prix Freestyle, International dressage competition. Starts 7, placings 5.
1) Justina Vanagaite-Samuile – Nabab, LTU 73.77 %
2) Mads Hendeliowitz – Autograf Q, SWE 71.44 %
3) Elisabet Ehrnrooth – Daytona, FIN 70.21 %
4) Joanne Vaughan – Hero V.D.T, GEO 66.01 %
5) Siiri Kyrö – Kyro Hot Flow, FIN 65.92 %
Complete results: https://www.longinestiming.com/equestrian/2024/helsinki-international-horse-show-helsinki/resultlist_D02.html
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