The ninth edition of the Nissan Easter Festival was as successful as it’s ever been with capacity crowds, super bargains and top-notch riding.
The 10-day competition that was held at Kyalami Equestrian Park from March 24 to April 2, ended on a high with the Nissan SA Outdoor Grand Prix concluding just before sunset on April 2.
After three gruelling rounds in the Grand Prix, it was veteran rider Ronnie Lawrence who clinched the win on the gorgeous grey Gillian van Orshof, affectionately known as Goofy.
“He has a wonderful following this horse who we know as Goofy – he’s from Belgium and I bought him as a four-year-old.
“He was great the whole show – qualifying in the top eight, and went in as number 13 which is my lucky number as I was born on the 13th,” said Lawrence.
“Kate Launder built a very tough, but well-built course and in all three rounds Goofy jumped his heart out for me and my sponsors Western Shoppe to win the Nissan SA Outdoor Grand Prix.
“This win feels amazing because he placed second in the Derby and SA Champs last year so it’s nice now to have won a big one.”
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Victor Ludorum for the adult 1.5m competition Nicola Sime-Riley and last year’s winner said that both of her horses felt amazing.
“Fulvic Connoisseur jumped out of his socks including clearing the water, which I was worried about as he almost always puts a foot on the tape when landing resulting in four penalties.
“But he was on form – in fact, both horses were ‘with me’ today; focused and gave me their all.
“I was so close to winning, but will take being crowned as ‘First Princess’ and look forward to the next show I have lined up,” said Sime-Riley.
“Connoisseur has had a second in the first qualifier, then a first in the second qualifier and then in the Grand Prix he jumped the most amazing double clear, with it being my fault for the time penalty.
“But I must say that I am absolutely over the moon with both horses.
“I love being in the ring and what these horses do for me is amazing.”
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