Aachen, 03. July 2008

Isabell Werth triumphs in the HAVENS Pferdefutter Prize
The rider wins the Grand Prix CDI with Warum Nicht

The spectators didn't have to miss out on the notorious duel between Isabell Werth and Anky van Grunsven, which has been tradition at the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen for years (June 27th - July 6th), in the CDI competition either. The winning rosette in the HAVENS Pferdefutter Prize, Grand Prix CDI, went to Isabell Werth (Germany). "Hannes, as we call Warum Nicht, was brilliant. We only made a small mistake in the pirouette, but otherwise I was completely satisfied. He wanted to start too soon," reported the 38-year-old rider, who currently lies third in the FEI world rankings with the Hanoverian Weltmeyer son. The Dutch rider, Anky van Grunsven, who had saddled the 11-year-old black stallion, IPS Painted Black, had to be satisfied with third place (71.042 percent).

18 riders from six nations competed in the light drizzle. Monica Theodorescu was delighted that she came second with the 10-year-old Welt Hit IO son, Whisper. A small mistake in the extended trot cost her valuable points in a performance that was otherwise packed with highlights. The pair even received 9.0 from three of the judges for their extended walk. The final score of the rider from Sassenberg, Westphalia, totalled 71.917 percent.

Hiroshi Hoketsu from Japan represented the nation furthest away from Aachen, however he didn't actually have to travel far, because the 67-year-old trains with Antonie de Ridder at Gut Rossheide, only a few kilometres away from the Soers. The Japanese rider received a score of 70.375 percent with the Hanoverian Wolkenstein II daughter, Whisper, which earned him fifth place. After leading the field for a long time, the Danish rider Andreas Helgstrand finally finished fourth. "I was very pleased with my horse, but I was rather disappointed with my score. I had expected to get more points, the father of two, who scored 70.833, commented. "I will be taking both Don Schufro and Gredstedgards Casmir with me into the quarantine for the Olympic Games. And then we will decide, who will travel to Hong Kong," the 30-year-old rider explained. "My personal favourite is Don Schufro, because he has more experience. Casmir is only nine and needs a year or two yet."

Opening hours of the CHIO Aachen 2008 ticket sales:
Thursday, 03.07.2008 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday, 04.07.2008 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, 05.07.2008 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, 06.07.2008 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ticket hotline: +49-(0)241-917-1111