CALLAHO WARMBLOOD STUD’S 1.35M CHAMPIONSHIP
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The final day of the Biogen World Cup Qualifier began with the Callaho Warmblood Stud 1.35m Championships. As one would expect, the Championship Day courses were up a level from what had come before.
The technical track jumped well, with 17 of the 60 starters going through to the jump-off, and vying for one of the 16 places on offer.
As the jump-off started the times kept getting quicker, but a double clear seemed elusive. That was until Kelly O’Connor jumped around on her own Tack n Togs Leila, who jumped a super clear in 30.89. This was not the quickest time that had been set, so there was space for improvement.
Lorette Knowles-Taylor proved that shortly afterwards, aboard Brett Latimer’s 8yo gelding Oxford Cobayane, jumping clear in 30.54. Cobayane is new to the 1.35m classes and despite their partnership getting off to a tricky start, Lorette is very excited about their future. She said that although he is small and can occasionally suffer from ‘small-man syndrome,’ he has huge step and a fantastic temperament. She also likened him to her special partner Callaho’s Sampras, so this is definitely one to watch in the future!
Lorette held the lead until the ever-speedy Leona Van Der Merwe and Martynn Swanepoel’s Mythos entered the area. This striking pair put in a stunning clear, jumping nearly half a second into the lead in 30.17.
With a few quick combinations still to come, the last few rounds we nail-biting. Kelly came in on her second ride and yesterday’s winner, Capital Moonlight, but only managed to beat her first jump-off time, coming home in 30.75. Neriske Prinsloo Hill was last to go on GCS Max Pacific NPS and matched Kelly’s time exactly, so they shared the 3rd place podium position!
Congratulation to Leona and Mythos on your fourth consecutive Championships Podium finish! You guys are indeed THE combination to beat!
Results
1st. Leona Van Der Merwe & Mythos
2nd. Lorette Knowles Taylor & Oxford Cobayne
3rd. Kelly O’Connor & Tack N Togs Capital Moonlight
3rd. Neriske Prinsloo & GCS Max Pacific NPS
5th Kelly O Connor & Tack N Togs Leila
6th Belinda Martin & Branic Cassiopeia