Top showjumpers compete at classic event
Chris van der Merwe and Capital’s Chantilly took this year’s main title class at the Nissan Winter Classic.
THE Nissan Winter Classic was five days of unmissable showjumping action as riders competed in 39 hotly-contested events at Shongweni Club from Thursday, 13 to Monday, 17 June.
The prestigious event is one of the biggest international FEI World Cup classes and this year, the 1.5m Nissan FEI World Cup Qualifier was clinched by Limpopo’s Chris van der Merwe (25) riding Capital’s Chantilly.
Chris van der Merwe and Capital’s Chantilly took this year’s main title class at the Nissan Winter Classic.
The Nissan Winter Classic has always been a favourite for Van der Merwe, having won the Young Rider’s Series on his horse, Little Big Time previously, as well as jumping his first ever World Cup Qualifier on Domino in 2014.
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Going into this year’s contest, Van der Merwe said, “Capital’s Chantilly is my best horse and one of the top three leading horses in the World Cup so far.”
These words proved true as he managed to take the lead over renowned South African showjumper, Nicole Horwood (Kyalami), four-time winner of the SA Showjumping Derby, riding Capital’s Don Cumarco.
Managing director of Nissan SA, Mike Whitfield said Nissan would like to extend its congratulations to all the riders for putting on an incredible performance at this year’s event.
“We would also like to thank all the spectators that came out to support the riders while enjoying the stalls and entertainment on offer. It was another spectacular showjumping event featuring the competitive spirit and camaraderie that is so in sync with the Nissan brand,” said Whitfield.
Alongside the showjumping entertainment, visitors to the Nissan Winter Classic enjoyed family fun in the dedicated Nissan children’s zone, the popular Nissan vehicle display and test drive, and a range of quality market stalls.
The annual Nissan Winter Classic also gives back to the local community in the form of charitable donations aimed at improving the local educational facilities.
Funds raised by Foresyte Shows and Langley Equestrian Centre in 2019 will continue to contribute to enhance the facilities at Umthombomuhle School in the Cliffdale area, benefitting more than 100 schoolchildren.
For full results of the Nissan Winter Classic, visit the Winter Classic 2019 and SA Showjumping on Facebook, visit www.foresyte.co.za.
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