Professional showjumper Dominey Alexander talks Nissan Easter Festival
MIDRAND– Winner of the 2017 Presidents Cup, Dominey Alexander, shared an update on his preparation ahead of this year's all-competitive Nissan Easter Festival.
Professional showjumper and co-owner of Cellehof Stud & Livery, Dominey Alexander, talked about his preparation ahead of the Nissan Easter Festival on 17 April.
“On 2 April, I won the 2017 Presidents Cup on my horse, Armageddon, which I have had for a year now. He is owned by Tony and Caryn Popalados. It certainly has not been easy as I had a few falls from him whilst we were learning to speak the same language,” Alexander said.
He added that he made the decision to concentrate on 1.30m jumps and he and Armageddon then began to develop a relationship.
“I slowly put him up the levels, winning the 1.40m derby, and the 1.40m championships at the Maple Ridge World Cup. This year we started in the 1.50m class at the President’s Cup and won on five clear rounds. Armageddon was faultless throughout the show, hence we are now the 2017 President Cup Champions.”
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When asked what his challenges were during his preparation for the festival, Alexander explained that his biggest challenge was to be able to swap between coaching and riding, giving his students the right attention, and still making time for his horses. “In terms of managing my nerves, we all get nervous, but if you use them correctly, it makes you stay focused and it makes you try harder.
“But we always hope and pray we win again. I am very lucky to have two top-level horses, Discovery Enjoy and Armageddon, so I can see which one is on form, and try to choose the right horse, however, it does not always work out, as both horses are very different,” Alexander said.
He concluded that the next show is the Nissan Easter Festival. “The Grand Prix is always a big class, run over two rounds and a jump-off. It is held at the main Bob Charter arena at Kyalami Equestrian Park. We have lots of places to gallop, so I am expecting a big track. The Nissan Easter Festival is a wonderful show; we hope to see many people coming to watch, and it is a great family show as well.”
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