Friday April 21, 2006

Van Grunsven and Salinero In the Lead at 2006 World Cup Finals

Edward Gal's Lingh Injured In Grand Prix Ride

Quite disappointing was Edward Gal's go on the KWPN stallion Lingh (by Flemmingh). Winner of the Grand Prix at the 2005 World Cup Finals, Gal now scored 6% lower than in Las Vegas. With 71.916% they placed sixth due to a mistake filled test. After his ride, Edward discovered a bruise underneath the girth on Lingh's right side.

"Before I entered the ring, nothing was wrong with him and the FEI steward had checked everything," a disappointed Gal explained. In the first half pass to the left, Gal put pressure on the right side and unknowingly pressed on the sore spot. In the transition from walk to passage, Lingh broke into canter and responded heftily to any leg aids. "I think all the mistakes I made in the test were because I noticed something was wrong and I was afraid to ask anything from Lingh," he said. In the stable area, the sore spot was cooled with ice. Hopefully the bruise will be gone by Friday evening so that Gal can train his horse normally and compete in the kur on Saturday. However, it is possible that Gal will have to withdraw.