After Friday evening’s storm, Rotterdam woke up in postcard mode. And Charlotte Fry did not wait for the arena to dry before reminding everyone of two or three obvious truths: with Ilegro, eight years old and already plenty of presence, the British rider may well have a very nice ticket for tomorrow in her hands.

Ilegro, the sunshine and 75.78%

First came the gusts. Then came Charlotte Fry.

On Saturday morning, in the Dura Vermeer Arena, the British rider won the KM Zadels Prizea Prix St. Georges class, with Ilegro, an eight-year-old stallion by Inclusive. Score: 75.78%. Clean, clear, no shaking. The kind of test that does not necessarily make people scream, but already raises an eyebrow among those looking further than the next result sheet.

A future that smells like Grand Prix

Fry did not hide her pleasure after the test: Ilegro was “in great form”, becoming increasingly relaxed, and this outing in Rotterdam fitted perfectly into his training plan. Translation: not the finished product yet, but already a serious piece of raw material.

The British champion said it clearly: one day, she hopes to present him here in the Grand Prix. Judging by the copy handed in this Saturday, that is not exactly a punchline thrown out at random.

The Dutch riders lying in wait

Next in, Gerdine Maree also broke the 70% mark, taking second place with Dutch Dream, an eight-year-old KWPN stallion by Dream Boy, scoring 71.07%.

The podium was completed by Kim Alting and Next Level, an eight-year-old gelding by Desperado, with 69.01%. Rotterdam had brought out the sunshine, the young horses and the medium-term ambitions. Not the worst programme for a Saturday morning.

Find Find the full results of the class here.

(Photo cover ©CHIO Rotterdam/Jessica Pijlman)