Isabell Werth salutes the crowd after winning the Lyon round of the FEI Dressage World Cup for the fifth year in a row ©FEI/Christophe Taniere

Isabell Werth of Germany continued her impressive record at the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Dressage World Cup in Lyon, winning the Western European League qualifier in the French city for the fifth year in a row.

Werth, riding 16-year-old mare Weihegold Old, scored 84.910 to triumph, with Nanna Skodborg Merrald of Denmark and 16-year-old mare Atterupgaards Orthilia forced to settle for second despite a personal best score of 83.695.

Frederic Wandres of Germany completed the podium onboard 14-year-old gelding Duke of Britain FRH, scoring 81.640.

Denmark’s Cathrine Dufour, who triumphed at last weekend’s FEI Dressage World Cup on home turf in Herning with Atterupgaards Cassidy, partnered Vamos Amigos in Lyon.

The nine-year-old gelding produced a mature display as the pair scored 81.135, enough for fourth place.

Frederic Wandres, left, leads the FEI Western European League standings following his third place finish in Lyon ©FEI/Christophe Taniere
Frederic Wandres, left, leads the FEI Western European League standings following his third place finish in Lyon ©FEI/Christophe Taniere

In the overall Western European League standings Wandres leads with 44 points, a tally which includes 20 points earned from a Central European League triumph in August.

Dufour sits second with 35 points, with Dutch rider Thamar Zweistra and Skodborg Merrald in joint third place with 32 points.

The top nine riders on the leaderboard at the end of the season will be invited to participate in the FEI Dressage World Cup Final, scheduled to be held in Leipzig, Germany in April 2022.

As defending champion, Werth is automatically qualified for the Dressage World Cup Final, on a horse of her choice that has competed in at least two freestyle to music qualifiers.

Competition is also taking place in Lyon this weekend in the second round of the Jumping World Cup season and the first round of the Driving World Cup season.