Charlotte Dujardin made a remarkable return to international dressage competition by winning the Wellington Riding CDI3* Grand Prix Special on Brave Heart, scoring 72.830%. This victory came just a day after her acclaimed Grand Prix win, marking her first international event since a one-year suspension in July 2024 related to a training video controversy. Dujardin, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, impressed the audience with a performance highlighted by high marks in passage and overall impression, reaffirming her elite status in the sport.
British rider Gareth Hughes finished second on Lufada Mvl with 70.489%, while other top competitors included Tyla Schou and Darren Hicks. Brave Heart, an 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding, had previously been campaigned by owner Ellen McCarthy in Florida. The event showcased strong British performances across both the Grand Prix Special and Freestyle divisions, signaling a competitive and vibrant dressage scene at Wellington.