Equestrianism: El Lute success confirms potential

EMILE FAURIE rode El Lute to win yesterday's Prix St Georges at the Addington Dressage International, confirming that this eight- year-old horse is just about the most exciting prospect in Britain.

There was, however, inconsistency in the marks, with one of the judges giving El Lute some 40 points less. Joanna Jackson would have won with 14-year-old Mester Mouse, but for one 'error of course' which took 10 points off.

Faurie was due to ride Virtu in today's Grand Prix, but there is now some doubt about his participation. The horse, who was individual third in last year's European Championships, slipped up in his stable on Thursday evening. He was bruised as a result and may have to be withdrawn.

Belgium's Arlette Holsters won the later Intermediaire II on Faible by a convincing margin. This lovely 11-year-old mare, who has only recently moved up to Grand Prix level, was 13 points ahead of Arnoldo Thor, ridden for France by Dominique d'Esme. Jennie Loriston-Clarke was a close third on Catherston Dazzler.

The Addington fixture is the first in a series of four meetings which count towards the new European Castles Classics Cup.

Jackson has chosen to ride Mester Mouse in today's first qualifier for the Cup, the Intermediaire I Freestyle to Music. Faurie and El Lute will wait for the set Intermediaire I test tomorrow.

ADDINGTON DRESSAGE INTERNATIONAL (Bucks): Prix St Georges: 1 El Lute (E Faurie, GB) 1246pts; 2 Mester Mouse (J Jackson, GB) 1242; 3 Catherston Dutch Bid (L Loriston-Clarke) 1239.

Intermediaire II: 1 Faible (A Holsters, Bel) 1229; 2 Arnoldo Thor (D d'Esme, Fr) 1216; 3 Catherston Dazzler (J Loriston-Clarke, GB) 1214.

(Photograph omitted)