Julia Krajewski (GER) rides Uelzener's Nickel during the Dressage Phase of the FEI Eventing World Championship - Team and Individual at the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026. © FEI / Benjamin Clark

14.08.2026

Friday’s second and final day of Dressage at the FEI Eventing World Championship Aachen (GER) 2026 delivered high drama and mounting pressure as the remaining 44 combinations entered the arena.

With many of the Championship favourites among those making their way down the centre line, the battle for every mark intensified. By close of play, Great Britain had held on to their overnight team lead on 72.8 penalties, but host nation Germany had moved ominously close on 73.6, with France completing the top three on 84.5.

Individually, Julia Krajewski (GER) and Uelzener’s Nickel produced the performance of the day to take the lead on 22.0. Laura Collett (GBR) and London 52 sit second on 22.8, followed by Michael Jung (GER) and fischerChipmunk FRH in third on 23.0.

Dance of giants

Some of the biggest names in Eventing were on the day’s start list, setting up an inevitable clash of titans, and it did not disappoint.

Great Britain could not be shifted from the top spot. Strong performances from Laura Collett and London 52, and Ros Canter with Lordships Graffalo (23.4) cemented the reigning Olympic champions’ position heading into Cross-Country.

Collett was delighted with London 52, who once again appeared to thrive in the electric Aachen atmosphere.

“He felt really with me and on the aids, so I was delighted with him,” she said. “He loves it here because he loves an atmosphere and he loves lots of people. You can hear all the crowds clapping, and he just loves it.”

Germany, however, are snapping at Great Britain’s heels after climbing into second place, just 0.8 penalties behind. Jung and the much-adored fischerChipmunk FRH delighted the home crowd with a stylish test, but it was compatriot Krajewski who stole the show.

Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel delivered a masterclass in precision and harmony to take command of the individual standings, with the German able to savour the performance as it unfolded.

“He was really supple and with me, and I could really ride,” she said. “I really had time to enjoy my Dressage. I was even smiling a bit and thinking, ‘Oh, he’s really nice.’”

The German also knows every fraction could prove decisive by the end of the weekend.

“There’s a lot still to happen, but in the end, 0.1 can make the difference for a medal, so you really want to get every point you can.”

Still learning

At 67, Andrew Hoy is the veteran of the field and is contesting his seventh World Championship, returning to Aachen 20 years after helping Australia to team bronze in 2006.

Partnering long-time campaigner Vassily de Lassos, Hoy made his 20th global championship appearance, more than any rider in the history of the sport, scoring a personal best for the combination of 26.9 to sit seventh after Dressage.

For Hoy, the performance was as much a reflection of the team around him and the relationship he has developed with the 17-year-old Vassily as it was his own longevity.

“This is the best prepared I’ve ever been for any Championship. Vassily is, for me, an amazing horse. He’s very, very special. Every day I learn a new way with him.

“The longer I spend in this industry, if I’m asked what the one thing is that I’ve learnt, it is to give the horses time.”

Austrian firsts

Austria also had plenty to celebrate today. Their team score of 97.6 is their best Dressage effort at a global championship and leaves them ninth overall.

Lea Siegl and Watermill Giorgio RS sit 15th individually, the highest any Austrian combination has ever been placed after Dressage at this level. Their score of 29.2 is also a new Austrian record, bettering Siegl’s own previous best of 29.4 from Pratoni (ITA) 2022.

Additionally, three of Austria’s six best global championship Dressage scores were produced in Aachen this week in Siegl, Daniel Dunst (33.3) and Harald Ambros (35.1).

Cross-Country calling

With Dressage complete, attention now turns to the phase so many have been waiting for. Giuseppe Della Chiesa (ITA), who also designed the Cross-Country at the 2022 World Championship in Pratoni del Vivaro, has laid out a track worthy of the occasion.

The verdict from athletes walking the course has been consistent. It is a true Championship test of accuracy, bravery and stamina.

China’s Alex Hua Tian was full of praise for the challenge as he is looks forward to tackling it tomorrow with 16-year-old Chicko.

“Giuseppe is such a bold course designer, but so balanced with thoughtfulness,” he said. “It’s a really cool course, and I’m planning to go full send.”

Cross-Country is historically the most influential phase of Eventing, and there is precious little separating the leaders. Just 0.8 penalties divide Great Britain and Germany in the team standings, while the same margin separates Krajewski and Collett at the top of the individual tally.

With the elegance and finesse of Dressage now behind them, the engines are ready to rev as Cross-Country gets under way at 09:15 CEST on Saturday.

FULL RESULTS