5 Riders Step Up To 1.50m At 2020 SA Champs

2020 SA Champs, The JumpOff — Course walk | Photo credit: Unknown

The 2020 South African championships have already proven to be as exciting as anticipated, from erratic weather to high-flying combinations. With the strength of competition ever-improving and the standard at the higher levels reaching new heights, it’s no surprise that the 1.50m level has seen constant new partnerships entering its ranks this year. Today marked the first 1.50m qualifier at the 2020 edition of SA Champs, with no fewer than 5 combinations stepping up to the top grades. From the 5 new combinations, Charley-Ann Crockart and The Burgh’s Epomein had the most notable debut in their first 1.50m class together with a 2nd place finish. But 4 others also stepped up.

Lauren Pretorius:

Lauren Pretorius has been a successful 1.40m competitor with her wonderful stallion, Capital Caleonid who, with incredible power and scope, has been a long-time prospect for the highest heights. Today the pair made their debut, and will no doubt grow from strength to strength. In addition to Caleonid, Lauren also features an incredible string of highly competitive horses including Franlaren Beau Du Lune, Capital Corona, and Capital Chester. With Lauren’s connection to Capital Stud and her keen eye for young horses, her string of Capital-bred horses is testament to the quality available on the annual auction.

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Sandy Manasse:

Sandy Manasse, owner of Ascot stables in Glenferness, has been a competitive showjumper for many years. Her acquisition of Carinjus from coach, Anne-Marie Esslinger, set her on a journey to reach new heights, however. Having been consistent in the 1.30m/1.35m grades for quite some time, her partnership with Carinjus has seen Sandy grow from strength to strength. While Carinjus has previously competed in the 1.50m levels, the 1.50m qualifier class at the 2020 South African Showjumping Championships marked the debut for Sandy as a rider into the highest echelon of the sport, where her previous highest level of competition had been several 1.45m events including the Burlington Cup.

Colin ‘Chookie’ Ferreira:

Due to the unfortunate accident that sidelined Ian Van Schalkwyk, Colin Ferreira has been the lucky recipient of the ride on Ian’s competition horses, including Kuda Insurance Capital Don Costello. Having been a regular feature in the 1.50m grades, Don Costello has been a wonderful partner to Colin as he marks his return to the top levels of showjumping at the ongoing 2020 SA Champs at Shongweni Club. With Colin’s long hiatus from the top-levels, which last saw him compete at this level nearly a full decade ago, the recent climb to the 1.50m grades has proved impressive and Don Costello and Chookie have already formed a formidable partnership.

Cayleigh Triggol:

While Cayleigh Triggol is no stranger to the 1.50m levels, the unfortunate passing of her top horse, Callaho’s Louisa, left her sidelined for over a year. But with her new partnership with Callaho’s Fiona, formerly the ride of brother, Thomas Triggol, Cayleigh has quickly regained her place in the 1.50m ranks. With a strong string of Callaho horses including Lisa Belle, Charlien 7 and Babiche VH Gehucht Z, Cayleigh is sure to remain at the top for years to come. Welcome back to the top, Cayleigh