Wilson secures gold on European debut

Georgia Wilson was delighted to claim her debut European gold medal at the European Para-dressage Championships in Rotterdam on Sunday.

Competing at the championships for the first time, Wilson, 23, scored 78.187% on Midnight in the grade II individual freestyle competition to pick up her third medal of the week – Great Britain’s first gold of the Championships.

Wilson finished ahead of two-time Paralympic gold medallist Pepo Puch of Austria for the second time this week to top the podium, while Nicole Den Dulk of the Netherlands finished in third.

“It’s been an amazing week,” said Wilson.

“Secretly, I’ve been dreaming about winning a watch but I didn’t dare tell anyone!

“I was awake at 4am this morning so I’m quite glad I could actually ride today.

“My legs were more shaky than normal this morning so in a way I was just happy to get her round. I was really pleased with my medium trot and free walk – and I think I got all my halts!

“Midnight has never been abroad before and she’s coped so well and been really easy.”

Meanwhile, Wilson’s trainer and mentor Sophie Wells scored an impressive 78.37% to take home silver in the Grade V Freestyle on her horse C Fatal Attraction.

It was a third silver of the competition for triple Paralympic champion Wells, and the 32nd championship medal of her remarkable career.

Wells and Wilson had already won team silver on Saturday while both also won individual silvers earlier in the week.

PHOTO CREDIT: BEF/ JON STROUD MEDIA