These Are Your Top Qualifiers For 2020 SA Champs

Shaun Neill riding Companeiro’s Son | Photo credit: Canterpix

Over the course of the week, the top-level riders have been competing to try and qualify for the final SA champs class on Saturday. With only the top 30 riders being eligible for the class, the qualification has been put in place to ensure the riders with the best competitive record during the show are eligible to compete for the title of 2020 South African Champion.

After great success in both the qualification classes with a win and a tie 3rd place, Lisa Williams and Campbell go into Saturday’s Championship in pole position while Ronnie Lawrence and Avis Gillian van Orshof sitting neatly behind them as 2nd highest qualifiers. Nicola Sime- Riley has successfully qualified on both her rides, Fulvic Connoisseur and Sunny Park Stables Insaghi DB in 13th and 25th position respectively while Ronnie Healy has also doubled up on his chances with both Hausberger’s Eldo and Blue Turtle Catweazle qualifying 3rd and 16th respectively.

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With riders only being allowed to have two horses in the final competition, Nicole Horwood will compete on her 2 qualified rides: Mark White Nissan’s Capital Chantilly and Mark White Nissan’s Capital Hitoshi, leaving Mark White Nissan’s Capital Kronos unqualified and jumping in the 1.40m championship instead. Jonathan Clarke and Lorette Knowles-Taylor have also successfully qualified both their horses with Jonathan qualifying 15th with Data Sciences Enouche RK and 29th on Data Sciences Hummer Van Het Bevrijdthof and Lorette qualifying in 24th and 27th on Amor Warande Z in his first 1.50m show and Equistro van de Mispelaere, respectively.

Nicole Horwood riding Mark White Nissan’s Capital Chantilly | Photo credit: CanterPix

The withdrawal from Oliver Bishop, who qualified in 22nd, means the next rider in line, qualifier number 31, Chris van der Merwe sneaks into the final Championship class on his only ride, Domino van der Boswinning whilst wife, Leona van der Merwe, qualifies comfortably in 19th position with Capital Homerus. Simon Hendry and Erreplus Casper sit neatly in 4th position. 5th is occupied by Gareth Neill and Dartoli and, in 6th position, Lara Neill riding Ultimo WC will look to leave their mark on the 1.50m grades after only competing in their very first 1.50m competition together at President’s Cup. 7th highest on the qualifications is Rainer Korber riding the Back On Track-sponsored Clouny 3, whilst in 9th, Charley-Ann Crockart riding The Burgh’s Epomein has marked her arrival back at the highest grades in fine style.

Govett Triggol and his superb mare, Callaho’s Wolke 334 qualify in 11th position, Western Cape rider, Hayley Preen occupy 12th position, and Carl Boonzaaier on Callaho Casparon – winner of the 2020 Burlington Cup – qualify in 10th. While this may not be the final start list, qualification will give an indication as to the riding order and will almost certainly mean that Lisa Williams will start last in the first round as the highest qualifier. With a strong grouping of rider ability and the competitiveness of the qualified field, the 2020 SA Champs is sure to be a thrilling event. Alongside the live streaming which will be available to view on the SA Showjumping Youtube channel, stay tuned to The JumpOff for the full show report; coming soon.