Leviste ‘Leap of Faith’ hurdles SEAG qualifier

Olympian Antoinette Leviste jumped with Globe Platinum Leap of Faith to the top spot in the Sony Ericsson SEA Games Team Qualifier event over the weekend. The two-day Sony Ericsson Showjumping Classic at the Alabang Country Club was the first of four qualifying competitions to help form the national team to the Southeast Asian Games.

Leviste clocked 41.64 seconds with four faults in the jump-off while Asian Games gold medalist Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski and Luisita came in a close 45.23 seconds with eight faults. Sixteen-year-old Joker A. Arroyo and Without A Doubt shone as the new rider-horse team to watch when they came in third in the event.

Leviste and Jaworski went head to head the first day on the Sony Ericsson 1.25 meter class. Leviste clocked faster on Globe Platinum Leap of Faith with no faults followed by Jaworski on Rustic Rouge and Luisita.

The Sony Ericsson Showjumping Classic was highlighted by competitions in several classes. For the Metro Magazine 0.85 meter class, Gaby Herbosa emerged triumphant on Starburst. Mateo Lorenzo on Buddy led the Globe Platinum 0.95 meter class. The Globe Platinum 1.05 meter class had Diego Lorenzo on Intrigue first. He again came in first on Bailey in the Sony Ericsson 1.15 meter class.

On the second day of competition, Natalie Zani on Geronimo rode to first place in the Metro Magazine 0.95 meter class. Diego Lorenzo on Bailey came first in the Globe Platinum 1.05 meter class. The Globe Platinum 1.15 meter class had Bea Rocha on Nazli come first.

High school senior Daniella Virata on Daydream leaped to first place in the Sony Ericsson 1.25 meter class.

Organized by Equisport Concepts, Inc., the event also featured pony rides, a trampoline for multiple players and several games and booths for the equestrian audiences to enjoy. The Sony Ericsson Showjumping Classic is sanctioned by the Philippine Equestrian Federation.