Show Preview: Riders Gear Up for 18th President’s Cup

2019 President’s Cup podium.
From left to right: Simon Burn, Jonathan Clarke, Nicole Horwood, Rainer Korber

October 20th, 2020 marks the start of the 18th edition of the Erreplus President’s Cup. After the event was postponed on short notice earlier in the year due to the pandemic and ensuing lockdown, things have somewhat returned to normal. Ahead of the late staging of the show, we thought we’d take a look into the story of this successful show and take a look at which riders could potentially claim the title. Hosted by Verity Combrink of Maple Ridge Equestrian Farm, President’s Cup is usually hosted in the early weeks of March every year. However, due to the global pandemic, this year the event takes place over what would have been the dates of the Maple Ridge World Cup Qualifier.

History of the President’s Cup

The beautiful setting of Maple Ridge Equestrian Centre, nestled into the mountains of a world heritage site in the Cradle of Humankind has played host to the President’s Cup, a long-standing event and permanent fixture on the national calendar first won by Barry Taylor riding Sunday’s Eagle back in the year 2000. Since then, a number of riders have claimed the title, including top athletes like Gail Foxcroft, Roger Hessen, and Shaun Neill. But in the last few years, the competition has become even tougher as the number of athletes competing at the top level has increased and the caliber of the horses has improved rapidly. Most recently, Nicole Horwood and Mark White Nissan’s Capital Don Cumarco added the President’s Cup to their long list of accolades as they were crowned victors in 2019.

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Nicole Horwood riding Mark White Nissan’s Capital Don Cumarco

But 2020 will be arguably the toughest installment yet. Not only have many riders been out of the ring for prolonged periods due to the nationwide shutdown associated with the coronavirus, but a number of new athletes have risen through the ranks and could be ready to challenge for victory.

Who To Watch?

Chris van der Merwe, a former two-time winner on Domino van der Boswinning, returns for 2020, not just with Domino, but with a new acquisition in Quidchin Bellignies Z. He’ll be looking to take home a record third victory at the event when it kicks off next week. After a record-breaking 2019 season, which saw Chris claim the World Cup Qualifier series victory, the South African Outdoor Grand Prix title, and numerous other wins, he’ll be looking to finish 2020 on a high note.

Chris Van Der Merwe riding Capital Chantilly

Nicole Horwood won’t go down without a fight. While Don Cumarco isn’t entered, Nicole is still riding the high of being crowned the 1.45m Gauteng Champion just a few weeks ago on Mark White Nissan’s Capital Hitoshi. She’ll also be riding Capital Kronos and Capital Chantilly, the latter being no stranger to Maple Ridge after winning the final leg of the WCQ series at the venue last year with the aforementioned Chris van der Merwe.

Jonathan Clarke and the Slade Equestrian entries of Hummer Van Het Bevrijdthof and Enouche RK can never be ruled out, while returning former champions in the form of Govett Triggol, Ronnie Lawrence, Nicola Sime-Riley, and the always-in-form Lisa Williams will no doubt all be keen to leave their mark on the Presidents Cup once again. It still remains to be seen whether Charley-Ann Crockart will step up to the 1.50m level just yet, but after a fine run of form at the recent Gauteng Champs, the temptation will no doubt be present.

Chatan Hendricks riding Biogen’s Greta G

Among those entered, a few young riders will also be keen on upstaging the stalwarts of the sport. Chatan Hendriks and Biogen’s Greta G are an explosive pairing, while the entries indicate George Coutlis may attempt his first 1.50m effort on N.C.T’s Corea Fight.

The final day of the show, Sunday the 25th, will undoubtedly be filled with plenty of excitement as 5 championship classes are provisionally set to take place with some of the best riders in South Africa vying for the win. The main class of the day, the 1.50m President’s Cup, will see approximately 20 riders take on a testing track design by Kate Launder (FEI 3*), and the event is sure to have all eyes glued to the screen as the whole day will be live-streamed.