Livanos leads the way

A young rider recovers from a rare condition to take grand prix victory, while international prospects excel

- POLLY BRYAN

Keysoe High Profile Show, Beds

IT has been a tough year for everybody, but 2020 has thrown extra challenges at British-based Greek rider Theodora Livanos. The 19-year-old was diagnosed with osteomyelitis in her leg in February, undergoing major surgery and months of rehab. But a win in the grand prix here riding the 13-year-old British Hanoverian gelding Robinvale ensured that she finished the year on a bright note.

“I had a great test considering we haven’t been out very much this season. We were a bit ringrusty, but only had a few little blips,” said Theodora, who posted 70.8%, more than 5% higher than on her return to the arena at Keysoe CDI in October.

“Back in February, I woke up one day in agony. I thought it would be something muscular, so when I got the diagnosis it was a shock as osteomyelitis is rare. I had surgery to remove the infected bone and it has been a long recovery process, with a lot of physio to regain my strength.”

While she was off games, Theordora’s trainer, Emile Faurie, temporarily took over the ride on her horses, including Dono Di Maggio, his bronze medalwinning ride at the 2018 World Equestrian Games, who was since sold to Theodora. For now, she will focus on Robinvale, whom she had qualified for the 2020 World Cup final, with the 2021 World Cup final and the Olympics her main goals for next year.

Kate Cowell finished just 0.7% behind Theodora to take grand prix second with Samba Dancer, and went one better the following day to top the freestyle on 74.63%.