British and German riders became the biggest winners in the
Para-equestrian Freestyle Tests of Grade Ia, Ib and III that finished yesterday.
Representing Britain, Sophie Christiansen, scoring 76.166 points, and Anne
Dunham, 73.333, net gold and sliver in the Grade Ia Test respectively, while the
bronze went to Laurentia Tan from Singapore, who scored 70.167.
At the Individual Championship held earlier, Dunham came first,and
Christiansen, second, and Tan was the bronze medalist.
"The Individual Freestyle Gold medal is amazing, I've worked hard for it,"
said the Grade Ia gold medalist.
Grade Ib rider Lee Pearson, representing Britain, who already got a gold in
the Individual Championship Test, successfully defended the first place by
getting high score 77.057.
"I just want to cry, I'm over the moon. I've managed to keep my 100 percent
success rate," said the 34-year-old defender who has got nine gold medals in a
row since the Sydney 200 Games.
Pearson said that it was not the easiest test he has ever done and his horse
has changed his life. "He is a young new horse and it's been a long journey for
us to get here."
The silver medal of the Grade Ib test went to British rider Ricky Balshaw
with 70.444 and Brazilian rider V De Luthenay got bronze with 67.333.
At the Grade III test, Germany rider Hannelore Brenner, scored 74.223,
getting her third gold in the Games, including those gaining at the Individual
Championship and overall Team Tests.
"The horse is a little bit stressed and it is not easy to rider her since she
is emotional. But I know the horse can get good marks for me," said Brenner.
British rider Simon Laurens, scoring 73.499, got gold, while Denmark's A
Dalskov Lykke, 73.222, gained bronze at the Freestyle Test of the same grade.
Prizes were given to winners of the above Tests as well as the overall Team
Test. Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang, Hong Kong Chief Secretary Henry
Tang and some other guests presented the prizes.
The results of the Team Test already came out on Sept. 8, with Britain,
Germany and Norway winning gold, sliver and bronze respectively.
Speaking after completion of the Equestrian Events Thursday, Henry Tang said
that the competition was an inspirational occasion which has left the city with
an Olympic and Paralympic legacy.
"We have achieved our mission of staging two Games of equal splendor. Each
rider deserves a gold medal. The courage, determination and talent of the
competitors have been an inspiration to us all and something we will never
forget," Tang said.
He said that he was delighted that Hong Kong has been able to provide
world-class facilities and organizational expertise to help make this a
successful competition.
The five-day Para-equestrian Events ended yesterday.