Laura B was the big winner at the British Dressage Championships in Stoneleigh Park this weekend. She took Saturday's grand prix and Sunday's kur, making her this year's National Champion.

Performing an upbeat grand prix freestyle to a reggae soundtrack, Laura and her World Equestrian Games (WEG) reserve Andretti H scored a new personal best, breaking the 78.25% they scored at the Hickstead Exquis World Dressage Masters CDI5* earlier this year with an incredible 78.55%.  

With samples of superbly executed piaffe and passage throughout, the routine captivated an entire grandstand audience at the Warwickshire showground. After their performance Laura showed the exquisite bond she has with Andretti as she punched the air and threw herself down to his shoulder for a celebratory hug. 

Mum's the word

Aboard Dr and Mrs Bechtolsheimer’s 15 year old bay Laura thanked her mother for supporting her throughout this championship. “Dad wasn’t able to attend and so my poor mum had to help me prepare, playing all roles. We had to do our job well so that we didn’t let her down,” she told spectators.  

“To win feels absolutely amazing, my mind is already in Kentucky and this horse deserves a completely concentrated rider,” an elated Laura confessed, “however, he doesn’t really make mistakes regardless of what I do on top!”

When questioned about her preparation for the FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky USA September 25 - October 10 2010 Laura replied: “Alf’s (Mistral Hojris) training is going really well. I’ve met up with the whole team here and everyone is on top form. The horses travel on Saturday and we follow the day after, we can’t wait to get there now!”  

Valegro is unbeatable

Carl Hester and Roly Luard's fabulous horse Valegro took the Prix St. Georges on the first day of the competition under Charlotte Du Jardin. Their 72.05% was the highest score of the day. The gelding, by Negro, hasn’t competed since the Sunshine Tour in Spain earlier this year. Charlotte said of eight year old: "He was hot in the test and excited to be back! There is always something about the nationals that gives them an edge. We are now working towards grand prix for next year."

The pair then also went on to take the Inter I on 73.37%. Valegro qualified for the freestyle on the Saturday, but was withdrawn as his owners felt that the gelding had done enough with his two wins.

Inter II Champions 

Nikki Crisp and the lovely mare Passoa scored 67.53% to take the Inter II. Nikki has trained the horse up through the levels herself and is also on the World Class Development Programme for London 2012 Olympians. She said: "I train with Erik Theilgaard and have also been going to Imke Schellekens-Bartels through the World Class programme. Pasoa has been a difficult mare but going to Imke has been a breakthrough. I’m so thrilled to win here day and their support has been invaluable."

Young horse champions

British bred mares topped both the four year old and the five year old divisions of the young horse championships. Michael Eilberg piloted the stunning Woodlander Farouche, by Furst Heinrich, to the four year old title, while Emile Faurie, aboard the Royal Hit sired mare Retro Hit, was the champion of the fice year olds. Woodlander Farouche then went on to take the supreme title.