The US American Graves already succeeded in taking the victory over the Grande Dame of the dressage sport in the MEGGLE Prize, the Grand Prix Spécial, however in the Deutsche Bank Prize, The Dressage Prize of Aachen, the number one in the world ranking list Isabell Werth fought back and clearly beat Sönke Rothenberger (no. 5 in the world ranking list) and Laura Graves (no. 2). However, over the past weeks the air has been getting a little thinner for the most successful dressage rider of all time. Rothenberger claimed the German Championship title, and at least in the first competition at the World Cup Finals in Paris the winner’s name was Graves.

And at the CHIO Aachen 2018? “The youngster are knocking at the door,” said Show Director, Frank Kemperman, who is looking forward to exciting action in the Deutsche Bank Stadium. “Sönke will really be going for it, he and Cosmo are in very good form,” the National Coach, Monica Theodorescu, also commented, who is of course delighted at having such a strong team: “The bigger the competition, the better one wants to perform in the arena, which in turn leads to outstanding performances.”

Isabell Werth and Sönke Rothenberger will be faced with exceptionally good competition. Internationally, but also from their own team: For example, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl is bringing two top horses with – Zaire and Dalera, Dorothee Schneider will be saddling her team Olympic gold horse, Showtime. And Helen Langehanenberg? Four weeks after giving birth to her daughter, the two-time winner of the Deutsche Bank Prize with Damsey will be competing in the Deutsche Bank Stadium again. The top 10 of the world ranking list will all be riding in Aachen, because Denmark’s world-class rider, Cathrine Dufour, who is currently number 4 in the ranking list and Patrik Kittel from Sweden (no. 8) have also confirmed their participation.

Virtually following tradition, Germany are the favourites to win the Lambertz Nations Cup, the National Coach is also quite relaxed in the face of these expectations: “This is quite a normal situation for us, that was how it was back then when I was riding for the team myself.” There is strong competition, Sweden was already able to win two Nation Cups this year. The Americans are also sending their strongest team and the Netherlands will be sending at least three of the riders from their victorious team from Rotterdam to the Soers, among others Hans Peter Minderhoud and Madeleine Witte-Vrees have confirmed their participation.

Tickets for the dressage competitions are available online or from the hotline on +49(0)241-917-1111).