News
Landslide FEI World Cup victory for Lottie Fry
- Written By: British Dressage
- Published: Tue, 08 Apr 2025 13:28
Leading British duo Lottie Fry and Glamourdale rose to the occasion in Basel, claiming their first FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final title after two unrivalled performances (4 - 5 April 2025).
“This is very special,” said Lottie, full of emotion as she reacted to her victory. “To win here today is absolutely amazing, and it felt like Glammy loved every second of it.”
The FEI World Cup Final began with the Grand Prix on Friday, where Lottie and Glamourdale delivered a solid opening performance to score 77.152% and claim the top spot. Germany’s evergreen stalwart Isabell Werth fitted into second with a round one score of 74.848 % on board DSP Quantaz, whilst Isabel Freese achieved third place for Norway with her handsome stallion Total Hope (Totilas x Don Schufro) on 74.413%.
Returning for the Grand Prix Freestyle under the lights on Saturday evening, Lottie and Glamourdale presented a memorable performance as the fourteenth combination to take to the centre line. Riding to their trademark ‘Best of British’ programme, the combination defied the pressure to deliver a test with plenty of power, athleticism and star quality. Amongst plenty of artistic and technical talent, Glamourdale’s canter work provided a particular highlight, with the first 10s of the night falling for his exceptional extended canter. Their score of 88.195% earned a unanimous victory from the five-strong judging panel, Michael Osinski (E – USA), Maria Colliander (H – FIN), Ulrike Nivelle (C – GER), Christof Umbach (M – LUX) and Hans Voser (B – SUI).
“Yesterday, Glammy was definitely a little intimidated by the hall, but today, he knew his job. He loves to have all eyes on him – and when the crowd joined in, he seemed to love it even more,” shared Lottie after their freestyle performance. “This is a team effort – with everyone at home at Van Olst Horses and all our supporters. Everything came together tonight. It’s such a special feeling.”
Finishing in second, both in the Grand Prix Freestyle and overall, was five-time World Cup champion Isabell Werth, who posted 84.365% with DSP Quantaz. Competing in a record 26th Final, Isabell delivered an exceptionally well-choreographed and inventive programme set to music by Welsh artist Bonnie Tyler. Her test featured particularly strong piaffe and passage work but ultimately couldn’t match the British pair’s brilliance on the night.
Completing the top three, Isabel Freese claimed Norway's first-ever FEI World Cup podium, marking another historic moment. Riding the 13-year-old stallion Total Hope OLD – whose sire Totilas and dam Weihegold are both former World Cup finalists – Isabel scored 81.850% with a charismatic performance set to music by Cher. Meanwhile, defending champion Patrik Kittel (SWE) finished fifth with Forever Young HRH, performing to the iconic Alphaville track of the same name. His test also broke the 80% barrier, putting them just behind France’s standout combination of Corentin Pottier and Gotilas du Feuillard in fourth.
At just 29, this was Lottie’s third FEI World Cup Final, but her first title – adding another accolade to an ever-increasing list of impressive achievements, from her 2022 World Champion title to Olympic and European medals. Congratulations to Lottie, Anne and Gertjan Van Olst, Richard Hauwaerts and all the team at the Den Hout yard who contribute to the brightest of successes on the world’s stage.
Results (Top Ten)
Friday 5 April
Grand Prix
1. Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale, 77.152% (GBR)
2. Isabell Werth and DSP Quantaz, 74.848% (GER)
3. Isabel Freese and Total Hope OLD, 74.413% (NOR)
4. Sandra Sysojeva and Maxima Bella, 74.283% (POL)
5. Corentin Pottier and Gotilas du Feuillard, 74.283% (FRA)
6. Patrik Kittel and Forever Young HRH, 73.130% (SWE)
7. Larissa Pauluis and Flambeau, 72.935% (BEL)
8. Bianca Nowag-Aulenbrock and Florine OLD, 72.609% (GER)
9. Adrienne Lyle and Helix, 72.565% (USA)
10. Pauline Basquin and Sertorius de Rima Z Ifce, 72.348% (FRA)
Sunday 7 April
Grand Prix Freestyle
1. Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale, 88.195% (GBR)
2. Isabell Werth and DSP Quantaz, 84.365% (GER)
3. Isabel Freese and Total Hope OLD, 81.850% (NOR)
4. Corentin Pottier and Gotilas du Feuillard, 80.415% (FRA)
5. Patrik Kittel and Forever Young HRH, 80.115% (SWE)
6. Bianca Nowag-Aulenbrock and Florine OLD, 78.990% (GER)
7. Sandra Sysojeva and Maxima Bella, 78.590% (POL)
8. Larissa Pauluis and Flambeau, 77.470% (BEL)
9. Pauline Basquin and Sertorius de Rima Z Ifce, 77.055% (FRA)
10. Kevin Kohmann and Duenensee, 75.535% (USA)
Photos © FEI/Benjamin Clark
