Netherlands' Anky van Grunsven won the Olympic Dressage Individual gold metal, her third consecutive title, at the Shatin Equestrian Venue Tuesday night.

Netherlands' Anky van Grunsven won the Olympic Dressage Individual gold metal, her third consecutive title, at the Shatin Equestrian Venue Tuesday night. [Xinhua]

Grunsven, riding her horse Salinero, finished on 78.680 points ahead of the Germany's Isabell Werth with Satchmo on 76.650. Heike Kemmer of Germany aboard Bonaparte secured third place on 74.455 points.

Kemmer's horse Satchmo spooked badly that affected her final scores in the Freestyle final competition.

In an interview with reporters after winning the gold, she said, "This is my third gold medal in the Olympics. It is three in a row. I never believed this could happen. I am shocked."

"I made it safely to the end. I'm too happy to say anything. My brain is over-heated," she added.

On her future, she said "I think I should stop doing the Olympics. It's a dream come true."

Meanwhile, silver winner Werth said "What a pity. He (her horse Satchmo) went over the edge in piaffe in the Special and that has opened old wounds. He did great but showed fear for one moment and got cramped with fear. I couldn't do anything. I had to risk it, but it is a regret."

Netherlands' Anky van Grunsven won the Olympic Dressage Individual gold metal, her third consecutive title, at the Shatin Equestrian Venue Tuesday night. [Xinhua]

(Xinhua News Agency August 19, 2008)