Houtzager spoils home party with Olympia win

Houtzager denied two members of Britain’s London 2012 gold medal-winning team, Peter Charles and Nick Skelton, to take the top prize of just under £30,000.

Sweden’s Malin Baryard-Johnsson was second, with Charles and a recent addition to his string, Murka’s Odie de Frevent, third, and Skelton fourth aboard his London 2012 ride Big Star.

“It looks like London is the place to be for me this year,” said Houtzager, who was part of the Dutch team beaten to Olympic gold after a nerve-shredding jump-off by a British quartet of Charles, Skelton, Ben Maher and Scott Brash at Greenwich Park less than five months ago.

“To win an Olympic silver medal and get a first World Cup win is great. We jumped well, it was a super atmosphere out there and this is a fantastic win for me.”

After Brash and Maher made first-round exits, Charles flew the British flag with one of only three double clears. His performance came just three months after he underwent groin surgery.

“I have been off for a long time, and this was the horse’s first proper grand prix,” Charles said.

“The course was plenty big enough, and you certainly needed a very quick horse towards the end of the course.”

Charles says his partnership with Odie de Frevent remains in its infancy. He added: “I am still trying out new bits with the horse. I don’t know how fully I can go with her, but I think I will run her in the grand prix (today).”

Reflecting on an unforgettable year, Charles added: “This year has been what dreams are made of. I didn’t think I was going to be fit enough to ride at this show. To do that was really nice.

“I had a really bad groin problem which I had to sort out after the Olympic Games.

“I have done very little this year. I have got away with murder, really. But I prepare right, I work hard. Riding is still an important part of my life.”