Adelinde Cornellisen once again stamped her autority on the International dressage circuit with a fault free grand prix kur in the World Dressage Masters at Hickstead. Adelinde and Jerich Parzival posted a score of 85.65%, seven percent ahead of her nearest rival, fellow Dutch team member Hans Peter Minderhoud aboard Exquis Nadine.

Parzival puffs up

Talking after her test, Adelinde said of her music, "I had the test perfectly at home, but when I get into the arena at a competition, he grows by about a metre and his strides get longer." The highlight of Parzival's test was a full pirouette in passage to the left immeditately followed by one to the right. "He can do ten of those," she laughed. Adelinde is now looking forward to the World Equestrian Games - she has already been selected to ride for Holland. "I think he can improve in every area of the test," she said. "Now he is relaxing more and not so afraid of the crowd, i can really concentrate on each movement rather than just on getting him past the scary stuff."

Mighty mare

Second placed Hans Peter Minderhoud made a hasty exit from the prize giving after recieving his rosette as he had to fly back to Holland immediately after the class. Nadine produced a settled and expressive test, whereas in yesterday's grand prix she had looked tense and difficult at times. Hans Peter posted on his Facebook page: "Too many mistakes in GP but freestyle was really good! Proud at my great mare!"

Andretti dances

Third place went to Laura B and her second string horse Andretti with a punchy reggae compliation. The bay gelding had been sharp in the warmup but started the test a little flat. He really picked up about half way through and the final passage was of very good quality. Laura plans to rest Andretti ahead of the National Championships in September. "He feels like he's ready for a holiday in the field. It's very confidence building to go this well on your second horse," she added.

King Carl

Perhaps the biggest cheer of the day was reserved for Carl Hester and Leibling's performance in the special. The pair scored 72.41% to win the class. Carl's performance in the special was very relaxed and the old Hester-Leibling partnership looks well and truly re-established. There was an inhalation of breath when Liebling's first change in the line of one times on the final centre line was short - but only the side judges seemed to notice - and he scored two fives and an eight for the movement. Wearing his trendy new grey tailcoal, Carl even found time to scratch his nose in the collected walk. He is one cool customer.

Two Sox tries