RP bets bag silver in show jumping

BUSAN — Long months of hard work paid off for the all-girl Filipino equestrian riders yesterday when they bagged the silver medal in the team jumping competition in the 14th Asian Games here.

It was the first ever equestrian medal for the Philippines since the sport was included in the Asiad program in 1986.

"We’re so thrilled and happy," said Olympian Antoinette "Toni" Leviste moments after they received their medals in full view of their kin from Manila led by former Congressman Peping Cojuangco and business tycoon Danding Cojuangco, her mom Celia and RP delegation officials.

Leviste and her teammates Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, Danielle Cojuangco and Michelle Barrera finished the two-day event with eight penalty points, behind gold winner Japan, which was spotless, and ahead of Malaysia, which incurred 11 penalty points.

Jaworski, on board Rustic Rouge, knocked down a fence while Danielle Cojuangco, atop Ascot T, was penalized when her horse touched the water. But with Leviste’s clear round aboard Nazli, the Filipinos secured the silver.

"We thank God above all and we dedicate our (silver) victory to the Filipino people," said Leviste.

Leviste, now based in Europe where she competes regularly in big international events, and the Cojuangco siblings have been training for months in their bid to win honors for the country.

Leviste, Jaworski and Danielle Cojuangco qualified for the two-round individual competition tomorrow. Only the top 20 riders based on their showing in the team event will see action.

"It’s definitely going to be more difficult because the fences will be raised from 1.30 meters to 1.40," said Leviste, who finished 68th in the recent world championship in Jerez, Spain on board Nazli, a 12-year-old chestnut filly she leased from equestrian legend and world champion Nelson Pessoa of Brazil.

After committing a crucial mistake in the first round Friday, Leviste admitted that she’s pressured at the start of yesterday’s round. "But I kept my focus and concentrated on the job at hand. I changed my approach at the (colored) fence which I knocked down so I managed to clear it this time."

With the riders’ fruitful stint, the Philippines now has two golds, four silvers and 11 bronzes with still two days of competition left.