Derby contender steps up training
JOBURG - Nicola Sime, the proud owner of Sunny Park Stables, hopes to qualify both of her top horses, Elpasso and Connoisseur, in this year’s 49th Galencia Property SA Derby.
“My horses have to step up their training a little so that they have the stamina for the long course at the Galencia Property South African Derby,” she said.
She has been competing as a professional show jumper since she was 19 years old.
“I started riding when I was four years old and it has always been my dream to become a top rider. I started teaching a few riders when I was in my teens and it just developed from there,” commented Sime.
Sime has been involved in many pre-derby activities recently, which has prepped her to perform at her best at the prestigious derby.
Although she is ranked number two as an Open Rider in the South African show jumping scene, she is also a professional instructor.
Sime’s brilliant skills are not only limited to top level show jumping: she has trained young novices too.
She recently placed second at the South African Championships held in Shongweni, KwaZulu-Natal in August; additionally she won the Grand Prix at the Rival Stables in Polokwane, with her horse Elpasso, who she has been training with since he was four years old.
When asked about the challenges of participating in show jumping competitions in South Africa, Sime stressed that financial difficulties often affect a rider’s career, as show jumping is an extremely expensive sport.
However, Sime has been supported by her loving family. “My son Aiden, daughter Jaimie and my husband Jason offer great support, they are at every competition cheering me on and encouraging me to perform my best,” she added.
Sime adorns a cancer symbol on her riding hat when she competes and is heavily involved in raising awareness about the disease; she stated she will be wearing the hat on Derby race day. The derby will take place at Kyalami Equestrian Park on 5 October.
