The best of times
FOURWAYS – Barry Taylor, a seasoned rider shares his view about the 2017 SA Derby. Read here for more information.
The accomplished rider and four-time SA showjumping derby winner, Barry Taylor, will compete in the 52nd edition of the Cell C SA Derby.
His confidence and 45 years of experience make him a real threat to other competitors in the class. He will compete on Nissan Catwalk 22 and Nissan Counter Attack.
“I will start to pick up their track work to at least three times a week as they have had a lot of jumping and I think fitness is the most important thing for the derby,” said Taylor.
He described Nissan Catwalk 22 as a natural athlete and said he needs very little effort to jump. The only jump Taylor is worried about with Catwalk is the plank after the bank, the jump that most riders find challenging.
Kyalami jumpers go the distance
The water jump is at the maximum width for the class and Taylor thinks that South African riders don’t practice jumping water enough. He added, “Riders in Europe jump water jumps every week.
“I don’t think I am a great water jump rider, so I really have to concentrate. I try to visualise it as a big triple bar and it is a bit like an aeroplane taking off.”
Taylor tries to stay fit and eat healthily during training, which is his general lifestyle rule. On derby day, he wakes up at 7am and prepares his horses.
“I wouldn’t say that I get nervous. It’s a feeling to do well as I always expect to be at the top. The vibe on the day is outstanding and I thrive on the test of the course.”
Nicole Horwood is the favourite, according to Taylor, but he thinks that he also stands a good chance. According to him, Ronnie Healy, who was awarded the third place in the Hickstead Derby in the UK, is a great bet. He also advised to look out for Cayleigh Triggol, who will be the youngest rider in the class and who has been very competitive in the world cup qualifier series this year.
“My favourite combination to watch is Nicole Horwood on Mark White Nissan Capital Don Cumarco. For a combination of horse and rider to win the derby four times is an absolutely amazing feat, which I doubt will ever happen again,” said Taylor.
“When Checkpoint [and I] won, I remember it being a six-horse jump-off and I had two horses in it. He was a small horse. I have never felt a horse puff himself up like that and he jumped the only clear in the jump-off.”
Taylor had come second six times before his first win.
