Winter Classic ends on a high

KWAZULU-Natal’s biggest showjumping competition, the Nissan Winter Classic, ended on an exciting note with 20-year-old rider, 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 1.50 metres to 1.60 metres 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. It is my absolute favourite show of the year,” said Pasteris. “I had to rearrange my exam schedule to be here but it’s something I look forward to all year.”

The 1.40 metre 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.  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 2 metre fence.

The Nissan Junior Top Score Competition was won by Mt Edgecombe’s Courtney Webber riding V-Cachette.