The Netherlands secured a bittersweet gold medal Tuesday in the Dressage World Championships presented by Alltech as part of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky, USA. It was an emotional day for the Dutch. In morning competition, Adelinde Cornelissen (NED) was eliminated after blood was found in Jerich Parzival’s saliva. The horse was taken immediately for inspection, where the Dutch team veterinarian determined the blood was the result of a tiny spot on the horse’s tongue.

Jerich Parzival was receiving scores of 80 percent when he was eliminated. Sjef Janssen, the Dutch team chef d’equipe, said, “We are very disappointed, but we understand the rule and accept the decision.” Ground jury member Mr. Stephen Clarke called having to deliver the news to Cornelissen “the worst moment of my career. She was so gracious,” continued Clarke. “She took it like a real professional.” Great Britain secured the silver medal, following a particular brilliant performance by Laura Bechtolsheimer on Mistral Hojris. Germany took the bronze, making it Germany’s first gold medal loss since 1970 when victory was snatched by Russia. Final Results- Team Grand Prix and Individual Qualifying Competition

Individual – 1, Edward Gal (Moorlands Totilas) NED 84.043; 2, Laura Bechtolsheimer (Mistral Hojris) GBR, 82.511; 3, Steffen Peters (Ravel) USA 78.596.

Teams – 1, Netherlands 229.745; 2, Great Britain 224.767; 3, Germany 220.595.FULL RESULTS at www.alltechfeigames.com/results Audio interviews are available for free download via the link below:

Adelinde Cornelissen (NED) talking about her elimination Edward Gal (NED) in Dutch Edward Gal (NED) in English Laura Bechtolsheimer (GBR) – team silver, individual 2nd Isabell Werth (GER) in German – team bronze, individual 4th: Steffen Peters (USA) – individually 3rd