Derby’s Gatsby glitz dazzles
KYALAMI - The outskirts of Kyalami Equestrian Park's Bob Charter arena could have been mistaken for a day in the 1920s on 7 October.
The Gatsby Glitz theme of the Galencia Property sponsored South African Derby event played out with a vintage car in the arena, women wearing feathers in their hair and spectators dressed up to dabble in the fun which the day had to offer.
Spectators came out in their numbers for the most anticipated class on the showjumping calendar, and Brian Capper presented a daring extreme motorbike display to rally up the audience’s spirits.
Rider Lorette Knowles-Taylor clinched the 2013 Mini Derby title to start off the showjumping excitement.
The Derby Compleat Horse Free Test gave the audience many thrills as riders pushed their horses to complete challenging tasks, such as jumping over quad bikes or drums and performing with a sheet over both the horse’s and rider’s eyes, as was the case of Victoria Conlan’s test, which she performed to a Halloween theme. Conlan wowed not only the audience but the judges too, to win the class.
The Polo International Horse Trials two-star and three-star showjumping phases culminated in the Bob Charter arena, with Claire Martin winning the two-star event and Hayley Parker winning the three-star. The horse trials were held at Inanda Country Base from 5 to 7 October.
Women dressed in Gatsby-inspired clothing took to the vintage car to lead a parade of the riders for the derby, which also saw the SA Lipizzaners and a range of horse breeds on display for the anticipating crowd, to the sound of bagpipes.
As the time came for the main spectacle, the South African Derby, the audience seemed to hold their breath as the bell sounded for each rider. The audience roared with applause as the riders galloped through the finish flags, especially for the four clear rounds and jump-offs. In the end, the glory went to Nicole Horwood and her horse, Capital Don Cumarco.
Three skydivers also descended onto the arena, bearing South African flags.
The celebrations lasted late into the evening at the official after party in the marquee, overlooking the arena.