Aachen, August 27th, 2006

Hoy and co. claim the gold medal
German Equipe takes the eventing title - the Queen's granddaughter wins individual gold

"Unbelievable." Bettina Hoy could get another word out. Together with the German eventing team she had just claimed the gold medal at the World Championships - so they finally managed to deliver the sporting response to Athens. Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of the British Queen, secured the individual title on Sunday afternoon.

Around two years ago the team had to return the gold medals at the Olympic Games after a lot of toing and froing. "We wanted to give our answer here in Aachen," said Hoy, "and we succeeded in doing so today." The foundation had already been laid by Hoy, Hinrich Romeike, Frank Ostholt and Ingrid Klimke on Saturday in the cross-country competition. After enjoying a crowd of 44,000 spectators on Saturday, yesterday 30,000 spectators supported their teams during the concluding jumping competition. It is the first time that a German eventing team has taken the World Championships title.

Zara Phillips claimed individual gold. After winning the European Championships, the granddaughter of the English Queen has truly transformed from being a glamour girl into a top athlete. Phillips already took the lead after the cross-country competition. The silver medal went to the Australian rider, Clayton Fredericks, Amy Tyron from the United States claimed bronze.

Statements from Hoy and Phillips after the Eventing Finals