Successful Winter Classic ends on high note
The annual showjumping event was an amazing success
KWAZULU-Natal’s biggest showjumping competition, the Nissan Winter Classic, ended on an exciting note with 20-year-old Cinzia Pasteris taking the top spot in the Nissan 1.5m FEI World Cup qualifier riding Cleopatra.
The annual showjumping event was held at the Durban Shongweni Club from 15 to 19 June with all of South Africa’s top riders looking to make an impression in the 39 competitions.
“The show turned out to be an amazing success with so many riders stating that it has been the best show yet,” said event co-organiser, Jodi Wolhuter. “The course, which was built by Michel Ismalun from France, was technical and challenging. This world-class course consisted of jumps ranging from 1.50m to 1.60m and was built to FEI international standards.”
A total of 31 horses competed in the main class, the Nissan 1.5m FEI World Cup qualifier, held on Sunday afternoon. Eight horses went through to the jump off which was won by Pasteris on Cleopatra followed by Lisa Williams on Discovery’s Campbell and Marlene Sinclair (USA) on Camaro in third place. Pasteris walked away with the grand prize of R19,800.
“I am absolutely overwhelmed by what an amazing day I had,” said Pasteris after the event.” This was my first World Cup qualifier and Cleopatra jumped two of the best clear rounds ever.”
The George local has been riding since the age of five and competing since seven, clocking up a number of showjumping wins along the way. In 2011 she won the SA junior champs as well as the Easter Grand Prix in both 2011 and 2012. In 2012 she won the junior derby and last year she won the Hilmar Meyer Young Rider Series.
She has been competing with her horse, Cleopatra, at the Nissan Winter Classic since 2011, and said it is an event she will never miss.
“It is my absolute favourite show of the year,” said Pasteris. “I had to re-arrange my exam schedule to be here but it’s something I look forward to all year.”
The 1.40m Liberty Championship, which also took place on Sunday, was won by Rainer Korber on Style Fragrance’s Callaho Fiorella in a hotly contested jump off. In second place was Cayleigh Triggol on Callaho’s Elektra and Barry Taylor on Bacchus 68 in third place.
On Saturday, the Durban Shongweni Club was packed to capacity as people eagerly awaited the popular Nissan Adult 6 Bar and Nissan junior top score events. This year saw a tie for first place in the Nissan Adult 6 Bar with James White riding Callaho Confidor, and Rene Fourie riding Vanity Fair 20, both clearing the final 2m fence. The Nissan Junior Top Score competition was won by Courtney Webber riding V-Cachette.
Throughout the event, visitors were treated to equestrian entertainment, quality food, retail stalls, a dog agility display, children’s entertainment, as well as the chance to test drive a Nissan.
