Ingrid Klimke’s World Cup Final bid has come to a premature close.
The German rider has withdrawn her mount Franziskus FRH from the FEI Dressage World Cup Freestyle after the 15-year-old Hanoverian stallion made a misstep.
“I’m sad that we can’t compete here so unexpectedly in no time. Franz’s well-being comes first and we have withdrawn him in view of the coming season,“ said the German Olympic medalist.
Klimke and “Dancing Franz” were in fourth position after Wednesday’s FEI Dressage World Cup™ Grand Prix, earning a score of 75.543% from the judges. The pair jumped from 109 to the 30th spot on the world rankings in the month of April and previously contested the 2022 World Championship in Herning earning a team bronze medal.
Omaha is Klimke’s second World Cup final appearance. She finished seventh in 2002 with Nector VH Carelshof.
USA’s Steffen Peters now moves into fourth position heading into Friday’s Freestyle.