Britain's Olympic, world and European champion Charlotte Dujardin successfully defended her Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage title at the final in Las Vegas on Saturday.
Britain's Olympic, world and European champion Charlotte Dujardin successfully defended her Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage title at the final in Las Vegas on Saturday.
FEI/Arnd Bronkhorst/Pool
Over 74,000 spectators attended the finals at the Thomas & Mack arena -- a venue also known for hosting Monster Trucks, Supercross and Professional Bull Riding events.
Over 74,000 spectators attended the finals at the Thomas & Mack arena -- a venue also known for hosting Monster Trucks, Supercross and Professional Bull Riding events.
FEI/Arnd Bronkhorst/Pool
Viva Las Vegas! "Elvis" was also in the building to open proceedings before the final.
Viva Las Vegas! "Elvis" was also in the building to open proceedings before the final.
FEI/Arnd Bronkhorst/Pool
Defending champion Valegro -- the horse Dujardin rode to victory -- eyed up the silverware as the final got under way.
Defending champion Valegro -- the horse Dujardin rode to victory -- eyed up the silverware as the final got under way.
Arnd Bronkhorst
More than 10,000 fans were on their feet cheering their heroes at the 30th anniversary of the FEI World Cup Dressage Series.
More than 10,000 fans were on their feet cheering their heroes at the 30th anniversary of the FEI World Cup Dressage Series.
FEI/Arnd Bronkhorst/Pool
The 29-year-old Dujardin lifts the winner's trophy alongside second placed Dutch rider Edward Gal (L) and Germany's Jessica von Bredow-Werndl in third (R).
The 29-year-old Dujardin lifts the winner's trophy alongside second placed Dutch rider Edward Gal (L) and Germany's Jessica von Bredow-Werndl in third (R).
Hippo Foto - Dirk Caremans
Designed by New York fashion designer Reem Acra the trophy features a leather belt and silver equestrian buckle.
Designed by New York fashion designer Reem Acra the trophy features a leather belt and silver equestrian buckle.
Pic Dirk Caremans
When Dujardin thanked Reem Acra (L) for her sponsorship of the Western European League and the dressage final, Acra replied: "I'm very happy to do it. And you know Charlotte that your wedding dress is coming from me!"
When Dujardin thanked Reem Acra (L) for her sponsorship of the Western European League and the dressage final, Acra replied: "I'm very happy to do it. And you know Charlotte that your wedding dress is coming from me!"
FEI/Arnd Bronkhorst/Pool
Britain's Olympic, world and European champion celebrated in style in the city that never sleeps.
Britain's Olympic, world and European champion celebrated in style in the city that never sleeps.
FEI/Arnd Bronkhorst/Pool
It was also Switzerland's Steve Guerdat's lucky day, triumphing in the 37th FEI World Cup Jumping final.
It was also Switzerland's Steve Guerdat's lucky day, triumphing in the 37th FEI World Cup Jumping final.
Pic Hippo Foto - Dirk Caremans
"You need a little bit of luck" said Guerdat, who's stood on the podium three times in second and third place, "You have to keep believing in yourself and your horse and if you come so close so many times you deserve to win it one time!"
"You need a little bit of luck" said Guerdat, who's stood on the podium three times in second and third place, "You have to keep believing in yourself and your horse and if you come so close so many times you deserve to win it one time!"
Hippo Foto - Dirk Caremans
Guerdat poses for photos with French rider Peneloppe Leprevost (L) in second place and Ireland's 19-year-old Bertram Allen (R) in third.
Guerdat poses for photos with French rider Peneloppe Leprevost (L) in second place and Ireland's 19-year-old Bertram Allen (R) in third.
Hippo Foto - Dirk Caremans
"I've been three-times on the podium, twice in the jump-off and always finished in the top 10. I always wanted to win this" 32-year-old Guerdat said.
"I've been three-times on the podium, twice in the jump-off and always finished in the top 10. I always wanted to win this" 32-year-old Guerdat said.
Hippo Foto - Dirk Caremans
Charlotte Dujardin and Steve Guerdat shine in Las Vegas

Story highlights

Olympic champion Charlotte Dujardin remains world's leading dressage rider after Vegas contest

Swiss Olympic showjumping champion Steve Guerdat finally wins World Cup jumping title at 10th attempt

CNN  — 

Charlotte Dujardin says she is “living the dream” as she cements her status as a dressage legend.

Dujardin and Valegro won their their second consecutive Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage title in Las Vegas at the weekend – a trophy to sit alongside Olympic gold and the world and European titles.

While their score of 94.196 narrowly missed their own world record in the sport, it was still a full 10 percentage points clear of any rival inside the Thomas & Mack Arena.

Dutchman Edward Gal and Glock’s Undercover were second with 84.696, ahead of Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Unee BB in third with 80.464.

“Valegro just loves his job,” said Dujardin.

“I don’t have to force him to do anything, I just sit there and steer and off I go. There’s no sweating, no pushing, no pulling. He knows his job and it’s just fantastic” added Dujardin, who couldn’t stop smiling as she was pictured next to an Elvis impersonator after her win.

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Published 10:22 AM EDT, Mon April 20, 2015
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Charlotte Dujardin gets the big jackpot in Vegas
01:31 - Source: CNN

Not everyone finds World Cup success quite that relaxing.

Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat may be the London Olympic champion, but his Longines FEI World Cup jumping victory in Vegas came at the 10th attempt.

Guerdat and Albfuehren’s Paille had the last fence down and narrowly avoided a time fault that would have denied them the outright win.

“I don’t really want to think about it,” he joked. “Coming to the last I knew the time was tight.

“I just went as fast as I could to the finish line, but unfortunately there was a big fence in the way.”

He added: “I’ve been three times on the podium, twice in the jump-off and always finished in the top 10. I always wanted to win this.”

The World Cup Finals are among the most prestigious equestrian titles, but the weekend’s events in Las Vegas were notable for the success of younger riders.

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FEI/Dirk Caremans/Pool Pic/Livepic
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Related gallery Photos: How horses fly 'business class' to Vegas

American dressage rider Laura Graves, a 27-year-old who burst onto the international scene with fifth place at last year’s World Equestrian Games, improved to fourth in Vegas.

Her performance was outdone by Irish showjumper Bertram Allen, who took bronze on Sunday at the age of 19.

The teenager is likely to rise through the ranks of the world’s top 10 following that performance, while gaining precious Olympic qualification points.

Allen and Molly Malone finished behind French rider Penelope Leprevost, on board Vagabond de la Pomme, who took silver.