Champ eyes title defence
Reigning South African Outdoor Grand Prix showjumping champion Nicola Sime-Riley is looking for an Easter treat when she returns to the Kyalami Equestrian Park arena at this year’s Nissan Easter Festival on Family Day, Monday, April 17.
The 2016 champion aims to defend her title on either of her two rides – Sunny Park Stables Elpaso as well as Fulvic Connoisseur.
Hot on her heels will be the 2012 and 2014 champion and Capital Stud rider Nicole Horwood riding Mark White Nissan Capital Don Cumarco.
Other competitors on form and aiming for a win will be Discovery rider Dominey Alexander, Anne-Marie Esslinger of Burlington Stables, Lisa Williams on Discovery Campbell, and Team Nissan riders Lorette Knowles-Taylor and Barry Taylor.
“We have been preparing our horses over a few jumps, getting them fit and primed as much as we can for the jumping,” said Sime-Riley.
“Obviously, we don’t know what the jumps are until we get to the show, but we will see how it goes on the day.”
The owner of Benoni Small Farms’ Sunny Park Equestrian Club told the City Times that she is feeling confident ahead of the event.
“The horses are in top shape and they have had some good lessons with my coach Gonda Betrix.”
She encouraged the public to attend this year’s Nissan Easter Festival, which starts on Saturday, April 8 and ends with the hugely popular and competitive SA Outdoor Grand Prix at 2pm on April 17.
The show combines several equestrian disciplines, namely dressage, showing, equitation and showjumping.
Gates open daily at 8am and entrance is free.
For general enquiries, contact 011 036 3320.
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