SuggestedLeadIn: Charlotte Dujardin, the reigning European, Olympic and World Grand Prix Dressage Champion, retained her European title in Aachen, Germany on Saturday (15th August). Riding Valegro, she set a European Championship record score of 87.577.

Script: Britain's Charlotte Dujardin has successfully defended her European dressage title in Germany.

The 30-year-old and her London 2012 horse Valegro scored a superb 87.577% to win the Grand Prix Special.

SOUNDBITE: Charlotte Dujardin, European Grand Prix Dressage Champion

"Valegro felt in great form, outside he was just firing on all cylinders and as a ride that gave me so much confidence just to go into the arena and go for it. I'm very proud of him."

The victory makes up for Britain's disappointment in losing to Holland in the European Team Title event on Thursday.

SOUNDBITE: Charlotte Dujardin, European Grand Prix Dressage Champion

"I think Thursday probably gave me a little kick up the bum to perform better today. I think I was a little bit too relaxed on Thursday. I went in there and mistakes happened. Today I went in knowing I couldn't make mistakes because it could cost me a medal."

Dujardin took gold ahead of Germany's Kristina Broring-Sprehe and Dutch rider Hans Peter Minderhoud.

The World Number 1 has now qualified for Sunday's showpiece freestyle test.