MUNICH, Germany, May 8--In the first competition since their victory at the 2010 World Cup, the record-setting combination of Moorlands Totilas and Edward Gal lead a star-studded field in the €100,000 (US$127,500) Exquis World Dressage Masters and the finale of the €25,000 (US$31,900) Nürnberger Rider Challenge at Munich beginning Thursday.
The leading Dutch pair and World Cup reserve champions Jerich Parzival and Adelinde Cornelissen, will be challenged by the top German, Isabell Werth, riding Warum Nicht FRH to defend the WDM title she won at the inaugural Munich event in 2009.
Pferd International is the second event this year of the globe's four richest dressage competitions with total prize money of €425,000 (US$542,000). As in 2009, the lineup of five-star events is Palm Beach held three months ago, Munich May 13-16, and then Cannes, France, June 13-16 and Hickstead, England, July 28-Aug. 1.