MyPE

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Equestrian World Cup Qualifier – Jade Hook Returns

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South Africa’s equestrian and show-jumping fraternities are gearing up for the eagerly-anticipated Nissan World Cup Qualifier 2012, which will take place in Port Elizabeth between 15 and 18 November 2012. The Nissan-sponsored event forms part of the countrywide Nissan Riders Series competition, in which the rider who accumulates the most points over the series – including valuable rating points in the 2012 FEI World Cup Jumping RSA League – stands the chance to win a Nissan Juke. The competition culminates in Port Elizabeth where the lucky winner of the Nissan Juke will be announced on Sunday, 18 November.

Hosted at the Port Elizabeth Riding Club – an exquisite equestrian venue, with superior track and facilities – the Nissan World Cup Qualifier has attracted top riders from across the country. They will be put through their paces on a course which is designed to international standards by renowned South African course designer Kevin Sprately.

Mike Whitfield, managing director of Nissan SA, said: “With its excellent courses, Nissan is proud to sponsor the Nissan World Cup Qualifier 2012, an equestrian event that is recognised as one of the premier events in South Africa’s equestrian calendar. We are also delighted to be associated with the Eastern Cape Horse society, whose partnership allows us to host a festival of the highest standard.”

Participants will compete in a number of categories ranging from 1.0m up to the prestigious 1.50m FEI World Cup Qualifier, scheduled for Sunday 18 November. Riders who qualify are eligible to participate in the FEI World Cup to take place in Europe next year.

Jade Hooke – a born and bred Eastern Cape entrant, who currently resides in Gauteng and who won the Liberty World Cup Qualifier 2011 on her horse, Liberty A New Era, in front of a huge home crowd in Port Elizabeth – will be returning to her home town to defend her title. She was also the overall winner of the 2011 World Cup Jumping RSA League. Class no 11, The Equipage Mini Riders Grand Prix Tour 1.35m, was won by Chris van der Merwe and Nissan Tavanic du Moulon. Class no 7, The Riders Fund and Liberty 1.40m Grand Prix Tour, was won by Rogan Asken (Gauteng) riding Ottwald.

Other top riders, including Grant Langley (Hillcrest), Dominey Alexander (Gauteng), Barry and Lorrette Taylor (Gauteng) and Shaun and Gareth Neill (Gauteng), to name but a few, have already indicated they will be coming to Port Elizabeth for the show.

Event organiser Tanja Radke said: “The Eastern Cape is very proud to once again host the Nissan World Cup Qualifier 2012, which has become a flagship Port Elizabeth event with the help of sponsors like Nissan, Liberty and Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism. We hope the family-oriented event will encourage the Port Elizabeth public to come along and watch our top equestrian athletes in action as they vie for the prestigious title.”

Although show jumping and competing will be the main attraction, the Nissan World Cup Qualifier 2012 will also feature a dedicated play area – a jumping castle and a host of other activities – to keep the children entertained, while adults will have an opportunity to visit the Nissan display area, which will offer a chance to test drive a variety of Nissan models.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.