For the superstitious, Philippa Johnson (RSA) and Benedict may have just confirmed the lucky attributes of the number 8, and if it’s considered lucky by the most populous nation in the world… then now is the time to start making plans. Indeed, she was 8th to go, scheduled for 8:26 on the 8th of September… and low and behold, she is now the ecstatic recipient of South Africa’s first ever gold medal at equestrian events of the Paralympic Games. Silver went to Athens gold medallist Ann Cathrin Lubbe from Norway riding the nonchalant, ever so gentlemanly Zanko, while bronze was picked up by one of the younger athletes competing at these Games, Australian rider Georgia Bruce.

Of course, for gold medallist Philippa Johnson, this is her second Paralympic experience and she did win silver the first time around, so whether or not the 8 had anything to do with it, is entirely debatable… She stands as an inspirational figure for South Africa and this year leads by experience the first ever South African team at the equestrian events of the Paralympic Games. Her win tonight will no doubt prove to be encouraging for many of the up and coming South African Para-equestrian athletes.

“One of the most wonderful things about Paralympics and other disabled sports is that … everyone is out here to help each other. It’s about comraderie and working together and it’s about giving back to your sport.” A sentiment which was clearly echoed at the press conference as silver medallist Ann Cathrin Lubbe congratulated the new title holder for her genuine and brilliant performance.

For Georgia Bruce, winning with Olympic shortlisted horse Victory Salute was a fantastic experience and it symbolises a coexistence of Dressage and Para Dressage riders that needs to be further developed.

Some notable performances were had this evening and in particular, four time paralympian Nathalie Bizet from France who paced fifth riding Mephisto and is planning a Tango for the freestyle. Indeed, there is still a lot at stake for the Grade IV riders, whom following a day off tomorrow will be back in the arena for the enchanting and mesmerising freestyle competition.

As for tomorrow’s schedule, there appeared to be total unanimity – a day off for the horses!

However, for Grades Ia, Ib and III, tomorrow evening will be host to the Individual Championship test with a medal ceremony planned immediately after the competition. Eyes will be riveted on six time Paralympic gold medallist, Lee Pearson competing in Grade Ib similarly for title holder Deborah Criddle in Grade III.

This will not only conclude the individual championship medals for all the Grades, but it was also reveal the new team champions….

Britta Naepel unleashes her fury and claims gold at the Grade II Individual Championship 08/09/2008
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Britta Naepel and Cherubin 15 set the pace with a winning performance at 7:38 this morning!


Germany’s Britta Naepel, second to enter the busy arena in the early hours this morning took the lead following “the test of her life” and waited patiently as the next sixteen riders did their utmost to claim gold, but it would be in vain, as she held top spot throughout and emerged the new Grade II Olympic gold medallist for the Individual Championship. In second place, and already looking like a strong medal contender during yesterday’s team competition, Lauren Barwick (CAN) achieved the goal of a lifetime, eight years in the making… Speechless at first, this tremendous result was all the more surprising given that Maile had been unwell upon arrival in Hong Kong, and she thanked her team and all the support she had received during those few uncertain days.

Bronze was decided in the final stages as the young and determined Danish rider, Caroline Cecile Nielsen performed the penultimate test, and convincingly slotted into third place. A medal which she had only “dared dream of became a reality” following the tremendous efforts of her new coach and horse Roster’s Hatim-Tinn.

A great crowd was present, as both the Chinese and Hong Kong rider, Yulian Peng and Siu Hong Yip were centre stage for their first Paralympic performance, a moment which they will remember no matter where they place on the final scores of the day.

Britta explained during the press conference that her anger at a disappointing test during the team competition the day before gave her all the more power and concentration today, and as “new opportunities come with a new day”, she was determined to reach her potential. “Before I compete, I get a little angry and that makes me stronger and more empowered in the competition.” Her great performance and score will also go a long way to boost their final team score as will the 5th place by fellow team member Steffen Zeibig. For the third German team member competing this morning and former Paralympic medallist Angelika Trabert, the test didn’t quite go as planned, placing eighth. However, any disappointments will now soon be forgotten as they get ready for the Grade II Freestyle to be held on Wednesday…

Meanwhile Grade IV will be saddling up this evening for the Individual Championship test, with medals and a prize giving ceremony to be held immediately following the competition.

The Grade II Individual Championship medallists

1. Britta Naepel / Cherubin 15 – Germany

2. Lauren Barwick / Maile – Canada

3. Caroline Cecile Nielsen / Rostorn's Hatim-Tinn – Denmark \

All the latest news and full results can be found at www.fei.org/paralympics