A close call for Dr B

Equestrianism

Dr Wilfreid Bechtolsheimer, who was second reserve for the British Olympic dressage team last year, gained a narrow Grand Prix victory here yesterday on his new mount, Metternich.

This was the third Grand Prix test that Dr B (as he is known) has ridden on the 12-year-old stallion whom he bought in Germany at the end of January. Though talented, he was lucky to defeat Fiona Bigwood and the chestnut Dance and Fly.

The winning margin was a mere 0.03 per cent and Bigwood must have lost at least that when her horse became upset by the clanking of a tractor and trailer at the end of the arena. This was her first show in England on Dance and Fly, who had won nine Grands Prix in Germany before she acquired him.

At 20, Bigwood is still eligible for the Young Riders team, but it is quite possible that she will be selected for the senior squad for this year's European Championships

Results, Sporting Digest, page 29