Gal wins third gold at World Equestrian Games

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (AP) — Edward Gal of the Netherlands won the grand prix freestyle dressage at the World Equestrian Games at Kentucky Horse Park on Friday, earning his third gold medal at the event.

Gal, aboard Moorlands Totilas, also won the special dressage earlier in the week and helped the Dutch to the team gold in the Grand Prix dressage competition.

"There was pressure on me because everyone expected it, but I knew I could have a mistake, Totilas could have a mistake," Gal said. "To have three golds, it's fantastic. It's so fantastic to come here and win all the tests. It's sinking in a bit."

Britain's Laura Bechtolsheimer won the silver and American Steffen Peters took the bronze in a repeat of the top three spots from the special dressage.

Gal, who has the world record dressage score of 92.3 — set during a freestyle competition — had a 91.8.

"A horse like Totilas helps a lot," Gal said. "It doesn't matter how you train; it matters that you have fun. You have to be good to the horse. Totilas is just amazing."

Bechtolsheimer had a 85.35 and Peters — the only American to win an individual medal in dressage world chammpionship — was at 84.9 aboard Ravel.

"Let's face it, we didn't have a medal in the U.S. for over 70 years," Peters said. "I'm so thankful for the amazing horse I'm allowed to ride. What an amazing week. This is pretty much the ultimate freestyle for him."

An unexpected moment came after Spain's Juan Manuel Munoz Diaz performed a spirited test aboard Fuego XII. The crowd gave the duo a standing ovation and then booed when the scores ultimately placed them fifth.

Also, the dressage portion of the eventing competition concluded with Michael Jung of Germany in the lead. Italy's Stefano Brecciaroli was in second, and Germany's Simone Deitermann third. Unsurprisingly, Germany leads the team competition, while Britain was second and Sweden third.

Eventing, which also consists of cross country and show jumping, will conclude Oct. 3.

The World Equestrian Games take place through Oct. 10.