SA Derby winner Kelly O’Connor to set up a permanent base in Europe

Winner of the SA Derby and SA National Showjumping Championships, Kelly O’Connor is not letting the Covid-19 pandemic slow down her dream of taking equestrian sports to the next level.

The Bridle Park AH star has decided to move to Europe in furtherance of this goal. “After campaigning on the South African nations cup team in Drammen, Norway three years ago, it has been my dream to go back to Europe and set up a permanent base, allowing us to build a strong team to compete in Europe on horses which we have a partnership with,” she told the Midrand Reporter.

“After lockdown, I made the decision to make the move back to Europe in 2021. “I have the backing of CEO of ACD Rotoflo, who has been incredibly supportive of the equestrian sport in South Africa and a sponsor to the youth extravaganza and young horse performance series.”

The first horse in the team to go international will be Rotoflo Capital Kamron, purchased at the Capital Stud 2019 Auction. O’Connor said Kamron showed exceptional quality during his 2020 show season. Rotoflo Capital Kamron has begun his journey to Europe starting off in the Cape Town quarantine station for 21 days. Then he will fly to Mauritius and undergo quarantine for 90 days and then take the final flight to Belgium where O’Connor will join up with him once more.

“My goal for the upcoming years is to set up a permanent base for Rotoflo International, allowing my other team members, namely the Coetzee siblings Jade, Janine and Jonty, to join me at a later stage and of course any fellow South African wishing to gain exposure in Europe.

“We will aim to set up a sustainable system of a few dealing horses and competition horses from novice level to, one day, Grand Prix level.”