Nicole’s ‘squealer’ steals the show
SA DERBY: SIME-RILEY SCOOPS H0NOURS AT KYALAMI
Only three riders were able to jump clear rounds.
Asold-out Kyalami Equestrian Park was the scene of a dramatic display of showjumping as the SA Derby reached its climax last Sunday afternoon.
A total of 21 riders started the toughest jumping test on the equestrian calendar. with only three going clear: Nicola Sime-Riley, Anne-Marie Esslinger and Ronnie Lawrence. The capacity crowd witnessed some epic jumping, with Sime-Riley setting the pace on Elpaso.
Next up against the clock was Burlington’s Esslinger on Alzu Oregon, who knocked one down making their way around the 18 obstacle, 1 200m course.
Coming in faster, but also with one down was Gillian van Orshof ridden by Lawrence, leaving Sime-Riley the first time winner of the derby.
Apart from Elpaso, Sime-Riley also rode Fulvic Connoisser and Insaghi across the main derby, as well as the 1.40m and 1.35m events. Elpaso, or El as she affectionately refers to him, was also her trusty companion during her win at the recent 2017 Revil Stables Reonet FEI World Cup Qualifier.
The mother of two, instructor and businesswoman from Benoni confesses that she loves every NRC Rams v Drua 05:55 on SS1 Mitre 10 Cup Southland v Wellington 08:30 on SS1 Currie Cup: Premier Division Pumas v Griquas 13:45 on SS1 Rugby Championship South Africa v New Zealand 16:00 on SS1 Pro14 Benetton v Southern Kings 19:55 on SS1
Soccer
Diski Challenge Cape Town City v Baroka FC 09:30 on SS4 Pirates v Ajax Cape Town 11:55 on SS4 U-17 World Cup Brazil v Spain 13:15 on SS8 Germany v Costa Rica 13:15 on SS12 North Korea v Niger 16:15 on SS8 Iran v Guinea 16:15 on SS12 minute in the arena.
“It’s just so amazing what these animals do for us, so I try to enjoy every moment. The vibe of the show is awesome and I thoroughly enjoy myself,” said Sime-Riley.
“The horses are a little feisty during the derby and I think they love it. Con is always keen but he is a little less of a risk-taker so I need to ride him a little harder than El.
“Elpaso is just game for anything that I put in front of him. They both put their whole heart into what I ask from them.
“El, my squealer, squeaks his way around the practice arena, while Con can get a bit cheeky and as I come around the corner to the jump he decides he’s going his way, which is shoulder bulging running off to the side ... but thankfully we do eventually get over the warm-up jumps.”