By Gary Anderson

Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro claimed another world title in Normandy today ©AFP/Getty ImagesGreat Britain's Charlotte Dujardin and her trusted partner Valegro proved too strong for the rest of the field again at the World Equestrian Games as they picked up their second gold in Normandy in the dressage freestyle competition.

After winning the dressage grand prix special gold on Wednesday (August 27), Dujardin produced another fine display to post a winning score of 92.161 to finish ahead of Germany's Helen Langehanenberg on board Damon Hill NRW - to repeat the result from earlier in the week - while Adelinde Cornelissen of The Netherlands, riding Jerich Parzival took the bronze.

Austria's Victoria Max-Theurer and Augustin posted the first score over 80 per cent in the 15-strong field and soon after Langehanenberg raised the stakes as she registered 88.286 to lay down the gauntlet to Dujardin.

The Briton duly responded as she guided Valegro round for the winning score and Cornelissen could not respond settling for bronze.

"It's absolutely incredible" said 29-year-old Dujardin, now the title holder in the Olympics, World and European Championships.

"After London [2012 Olympic Games] I didn't think it could get much better, but I took two gold medals at the European Championships last summer and to do this at my first World Equestrian Games is amazing.

"Any medal is a great achievement, but two gold and team silver here this week, I couldn't ask for anything more."

Charlotte Dujardin now holds Olympic, world and European titles in freestyle dressage ©FEI/Dirk CaremansCharlotte Dujardin now holds Olympic, world and European titles in freestyle dressage ©FEI/Dirk Caremans




Over at the endurance competition in Sartilly, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) led from start to finish on board mare Yamamah which means "little dove" in Arabic to take individual gold.

A total of 165 riders representing 47 nations set off on the 160 kilometres course - split into five loops - which took competitors passed the bay of Mont St Michel.

Defending champion Spain's Maria Alvarez Ponton, had a fall with Qualif du Poncelet midway through the race on the third stage but up ahead Sheikh Hamdan continued to set the pace and eventually finished in a time of 8 hours 8min 28secs.

Over ten minutes later Dutchwoman Marijke Visser on board the UAE-owned grey gelding Laiza de Jalima came home to claim the silver medal with bronze going to Qatari rider Abdulrahman Saad As Al Sulaiteen and Koheilan Kincso who finished in a time of 8:56:23.

European Champion Jaume Punti Dachs finished in fifth place on board Novisaad d'Aqui followed by compatriot Jordi Arboix Santacreu, riding Mystair des Aubus to help Spain claim the team title ahead of France and Switzerland.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum and Yamamah took individual gold in the endurance event in Normandy © FEI/Dirk CaremansSheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum and Yamamah took individual gold in the endurance event in Normandy © FEI/Dirk Caremans



One sour note from the race was the news that Costa Rican horse Dorado, ridden by Claudio Romero Chacon, died instantly of a head injury after striking a tree at the side of the track in a forested area on the first loop.

Chacon was immediately taken to hospital to undergo surgery for fractures and internal injuries and her condition is described as stable.

Meanwhile, the dressage discipline of the eventing competition came to a close at Haras du Pin with Sandra Auffarth leading the standings after producing a superb display on board Opgun Louvo.

Auffarth, who has Olympic and European team gold medals to her name, scored 35.0 to lead Britain's William Fox-Pitt and Chilli Morning who topped the standings from yesterday.

"It wasn't the easiest atmosphere but we managed okay," said Auffarth.

"At the start my horse was a little bit nervous but then he got better and better and really enjoyed it."

New Zealander Jock Paget produced the only other sub-40 round today as a score of 38.0 was enough to put him and his mount Clifton Paget in third place overall.

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