Dee Luke, Gangster WW. File Photo© Hippo Foto – Dirk Caremans
Sometimes things just happen for a reason. Luke Dee had to do a major pivot when the outbreak of war in Iran meant a scheduled CSI5* show in Doha couldn’t go ahead. So he got on the phone to get into the Danish Warmblood Stallion Show in Herning, Denmark and this morning placed a solid second in the Stutteri Ask Grand Prix CSI3* Big Tour 1.50m.
He and Gangster WW continue to impress and Herning was no different. They placed third in the 1.45m two phase (GP qualifier), were clear in the 1.50m but opted not to jump-off, and then second in the Grand Prix.
“Herning is quite a tough show to qualify for the Grand Prix. They let 18 through from the first day of competition, then 22 on the second, so it is a difficult qualification process. You can be clear on the first day and not qualifier. I was here last year and had four so just missed out – I wanted to make sure we had no pressure on that second day so aimed to qualify on the first day.”
As it turned out there were a lot of clears and fast second rounds, so there was a fair amount of pressure, but he needn’t have worried – Gangster was hoof perfect. “I think he was fantastic at Amsterdam a month ago and while this show is not at the same show as that, he has got better again. He is relaxed and calm and just growing up quickly,” said Luke.
The Kiwi combo were double clear, crossing the flags in 30.26s in the second phase for third. The top 39 were all double clear. There were 63 starters in the 1.50m but Luke says he just wanted to use the round as a settler and preparation for the Grand Prix the following day. “He can sometimes be a bit tense form the day before.”
In the Grand Prix there 15 through to the jump-off over the Mark McGowan (GBR) designed course. Julie Davey and LT Holst Freda picked up four in the opener for 18th place.
“I knew I was going to have to be quick in the jump-off,” said Luke. There were 11th to go and he says Gangster just lifted again. “It was a very competitive class. I thought the course walked pretty tough so was surprised by the amount of clears but that goes to show the scope over there . . . there are just so many top horses and riders.”
He admits he still has pinch me moments, particularly when collecting a ribbon. “Unfortunately, we were one stride too slow for the win. We have had a year now of being the bridesmaid so I just hope a big win is on the way!”
He couldn’t be happier with how he and the horse are progressing as they look towards the FEI World Championships later this year. “I may be biased but I think he is right up there with the best horses in the world for his age. If things keep tracking I do believe he is capable of a top performance at World Champs as long as his rider doesn’t let him down. He is phenomenal and I am so proud of how he has come along.”
Luke says the two have an amazing bond. “He is my best friend and I believe every time we go into the ring we try our absolute hardest for each other.”
He was gutted not to get to Doha where he and Gangster, who he co-owns with Fiona Hall, had invites to three 5* shows. “So it was a big deal for us. I had come back to Europe to train for a week before heading off but the day before we were due to leave it all kicked off. In hindsight it is a blessing we were not already there.” A number of horses and riders are still stuck in Doha. “I think everyone thought it would blow over pretty quickly but when the airspace was shut, the decision was made for us.”
He called the Herning show organisers and was the first rider on the waitlist. “Fortunately someone pulled out and it all happened very quickly,” he says. He had to find a driver, secure his groom and sort paper work in quick succession, but it all fell into place.
One of the highlights from the show for Luke was having a few more Kiwis around with Julie Davey, Andrew Ormond and Tom Tarver. “They were all been fantastic help and it is really good to start that team camaraderie towards the Worlds.”
Luke is now chasing entries to two 5* shows.
His efforts rounded out a top weekend for the Dee family. Brother Mick was in fine form at Ellerslie in Auckland, winning the Group 1 Sistema Stakes on the super-hot favourite Lara Antipova and the Elsdon Park Plate, picking up seconds in the Group 1 Bonecrusher NZ Stakes and NZB Kiwi, and a third in the Windsor Park Stud Three-Year-Old Trophy.
CLICK HERE for full results from Herning
By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison
8th March 2026