Equestrian: Werth Finishes Second in World Championship Qualifier

Isabell Werth, the world's most successful equestrian, finished second in the Grand Prix at the second World Championship selection event in Hagen. She competed with Viva Gold, a promising young horse, rather than her top mount, Wendy.

The top spot in the Grand Prix was claimed by Katharina Hemmer, a member of last year's victorious European Championship team. Hemmer had missed the first World Championship selection event in Balve due to her horse Denoix having an injury. Strong performances in Hagen could still earn her a place on the team for the World Championships in Aachen this August.

The German national team has experienced multiple setbacks leading up to the event. Ingrid Klimke, part of the gold-medal winning team at the European Championships in France last year, had to withdraw because her horse Vayron was not fit. Charlott-Maria Schürmann also withdrew her horse, Dante's Pearl, shortly before the competition.

Currently, the four pairs competing in Friday's Nations Cup with the host team are leading. These include Werth with Wendy, Olympic team champion Frederic Wandres with Bluetooth, Semmieke Rothenberger with Farrington, and Raphael Netz with Great Escape Camelot. The withdrawals highlight the challenges in team selection and horse management.