Fame delivers a masterclass

Carl Hester and Fame raise the bar, while para contenders battle for Europeans spots and young stars shine across the levels

- OSCAR WILLIAMS & BECKY MURRAY

NAF Five Star Hartpury Festival of Dressage, Glos

CARL HESTER and Fame capped their European Championship preparations with two convincing wins at Hartpury, topping the grand prix (77.3%) and the NAF Superflex freestyle (82.83%).

"Each test just gives you a different feeling, but it's always a good one with him," Carl said.

"You have two choices with him: you either have him hot as hell and firing, like in Paris, but then he's a little too tight - or you have him more relaxed and a little more consistent in the frame like he was here.

"But I've run out of words to describe him. I love riding him, and I can't say it enough.

He's a big-time horse, but he's fun as well. He was out in the field this morning, and then he came here and did this." This was their best result yet among the three international grand prix tests they've ridden this season.

"I'm hoping for a bit more by the time I get to the Europeans," Carl said. "I've got one more practice run - not a competition - but I'm going to come back here to run through the tests two weeks before the Europeans.

"Phillip Cheetham [equine director at Hartpury University and Hartpury College] and Hartpury themselves are incredibly supportive of our championship teams.

Whenever I ask if I can make up an arena, he puts the whole lot out for us to come and practise, which is amazing." On the team's prospects, Carl added: "It's an exciting team who could go all the way if we get it right on the day.

"There's also a lot of space for individual medals this year, so I'm polishing my music - I'm a little sick of the special now," he added, laughing. "I was fifth in Paris, so we'll see. Every year could be your last, so it'd be great to stay in the top lot whenever I'm out."

LUSITANO STEPS UP