Mikee cops world jump title

Busan Asian Games gold medallist Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski and Dani Virata rode to victories in varying fashions to lead the winners in the recent FEI/PSI World Jumping Challenge before an appreciative crowd at the Alabang Country Club’s polo field.

Jaworski, on top her horse Luisita, outduelled fellow national team member Vic Barba on Botoy to capture the crown in the Ayala Westgrove Class (1.20-1.30m), while Virata road flawlessly atop Daydream, dominating the 1.05m class with an exemplary zero penalties in all four rounds.

Other winners in the event that displayed show jumping in various degrees of difficulties were Mateo Lorenzo on Diamond Quest (Los Tamaraos Polo and Equestrian class at 0.60m), Chato Cruz on Hamora (Ayala Greenfield Estates Class at 0.75m), and Chelsea Co on Sunset Sky (Globe Platinum Privilege Club Class at 0.90m).

The two-day event, organized by Los Tamaraos, the country’s newest equestrian facility, and presented by Globe Platinum and held under the auspices of the Philippine Equestrian Federation, also featured the Volvo Ride and Drive segment where a team driver-rider negotiated a two-part course in the shortest possible time won by the talented pair of Jeena Lopez and noted driver Angelo Barreto.

Bruce Goodin, New Zealand’s premier show jumper who made it to the Seoul Olympics at age 19, likewise wowed the crowd with his world-class horsemanship, riding Hanora bare-back and without bridle, reins or any other mechanical aids in a series of jumps on wide-ranging obstacles.

The event, staged to give local riders, technical personnel and the public, a venue to showcase their skills, was backed by Technomarine Watches, Vivere Hotels Filinvest, Ayala Greenfield Estates, Volvo Cars, Ayala Westgrove, Mercelles Jewelry, The Picture Company, BF Citiland, True Value, Asian Spirit, White House Boracay, Big and Small Company, Sunkist and RFM.