Thursday, 4 February 2010

Riders face toughest test in finale Sunday

Photo by: PHA LINA
Moeng Sochea rides Prouhn during the first day of the Show Jumping Championships at the Cambodian Country Club January 17.

via CAAI News Media

Thursday, 04 February 2010 15:00 John Cvetko

THE second event day of the 2010 Norodom Sihanouk Du Cambodge Show Jumping Championships at the Cambodian Country Club last Sunday proved challenging enough for rider and horse, but course designer Guillaume Larivain has increased the degree of difficulty ahead of the grand finale this coming Sunday.

In the premier Grand Prix division last Sunday, only four of the twelve riders completed the course without any penalty. Philippe Garcia placed first, Amelia Verrot came in second and John You took third. 2009 Grand Prix champion Sim Narith finished fifth, but remains third in the overall ranking.

The final event day this Sunday will register double points, leaving the field wide open. The day concludes in a thrilling “Jump Off” to feature the top three scoring riders in the grand prix division to decide the overall champion.

The You family were presented with a certificate acknowledging their strong representation in the tournament, with four family member competing in three divisions - John You in Grand Prix, Vanessa and Kylie You in Galop 4, and Nigel You in Gallop 2.

Vath Chamroeun, the Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, presided over last Sunday’s event, and said he was impressed by the performance of the younger riders and the level of professionalism they displayed. The sports official also noted the benefits such a sport brings to children in terms of learning, confidence and respect.

65 riders in total are registered for the competition, the largest number in its history. This week’s upcoming finale marks another milestone for the Cambodian Equestrian Federation (CEF), with its first ever competitor traveling from Laos to compete.

Her Royal Highness, Princess Norodom Buppha Devi will preside over the final day of competition. The morning session will showcase the junior divisions, with the afternoon session presenting Grand Prix, Galop 4 and finishing with the Grand Prix “Jump Off”.

As with last week, the Cambodia Country Club is opening its doors to the public Sunday, and the club extends a welcome to all spectators to utilise the facilities free of charge.

Second day results were;
Pony 1 – 1st: Clancy Cvetko, 2nd: Laura Belloy. 1st overall: Laura Belloy.
Galop 1 – Joint 1st: Nolan Tap, Marie Alix de Besombes and Louise Guibert. 1st overall: Gabriel Goossens.
Galop 2 – 1st: Nigel You, joint 2nd: Dy Veasna / Meas Marya & Pierre Louis de Besombes. 1st overall: Pierre Louis de Besombes.
Adult Beginners – 1st: John Cvetko, joint 2nd: Pat Makara and Mona Tep. 1st overall: John Cvetko.
Galop 4 – 1st: Ly Sovanchandara, 2nd: Sophia Vergara, 3rd: Rey Ry. 1st overall: Huy Sopheap.
Grand Prix – 1st: Philippe Garcia, 2nd: Amelia Verrot, 3rd: John You. 1st overall: John You.

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