"Spectacular" was the general verdict of attendees at the FEI World Cup held at Glenellen Farm in Hout Bay from 19-22 November. "It surpassed expectations," enthused organisers, Judy Louw and Derek Patrick.

"The week before the event we were in despair – we had soaking rains which had flooded the field, we were knee-deep in mud and had nightmares about more rain! Miraculously (as can so often happen in the Cape) the weather cleared, the field dried out and we were treated to a balmy weekend of light breeze and high temperatures!"

The result – four days of outstanding showjumping in perfect weather with capacity crowds.

"It is the most successful event we have run and the riders have been unanimous in their praise," said Judy.
"The quality of the competitors and the huge support we received from Capetonians who flocked to the show, made all the hard work worthwhile. This event is the only international showjumping competition in Cape Town and we proved, without a doubt, that we can handle and present the expected high standard."

The course
When world-famous course designer, Frank Rothenberger, agreed to design the course for the Fancourt World Cup Qualifier, the competitors knew that this would be an excitingly different course that would test their skills in many ways. With associate, Andreas Holmann, Rothenberger produced extraordinarily testing jumps which pushed the skills of rider and horse to the limit.

Each day produced high points, with classes closely contested and riders having to pull out all the stops, but it was the final day, on Sunday, that attracted the masses as they waited and watched to see who was going to walk off with the Fancourt World Cup Qualifier trophy.

With 21 entrants vying for the title, the first round was nail-biting, as the riders negotiated the intricate course that Rothenberger had designed. The final ten who went through to the next round, were popular contestants and the battle for the championship between Gareth Neill and his brother, Shaun, was secured!

The winners
With the spectators on the edge of their seats, this final round saw last year's winner, Gareth Neill, fight hard to keep his title, but it was brother Shaun, leading in the WC Qualifier stakes, who firmly staked his claim and rode to victory after a hard battle against Western Province champion, Dominey Alexander, to bring home the trophy.

The breathtaking riding that saw Shaun Neill on Gold Rush shave off vital seconds to win with two clear rounds and a final time of 44,6 seconds, had the crowd on their feet, roaring in appreciation. Neill now has the opportunity to compete in the 2010 World Cup in Geneva, as well as the Olympics and World Equestrian Games.

Runner-up, Dominey Alexander, on Capital Shiraz, also came in for high praise. On Saturday he scooped The Design Company Western Province Championships against highly talented competitors, but it was his professionalism and perfect timing that saw him taking the championship. Many of the crowd had hoped that he would have a double by winning the qualifier, but this time it was not to be, as Neill galloped ahead to win in a hugely exciting finish.

Our young stars
But it was perhaps the young riders who proved their mettle over the weekend! Western Province rider, Lauren Smorenburg of Constantia on Shamwari, endeared herself to the crowd as she made it to third place in the qualifier. Beautifully calm and carefully considering each jump, she made her mark as she galloped the course only a few seconds behind her male competitors.

Proudly showing her riding skills over the four days, Jeanne Engela of Noordhoek on Chanel, walked off with the Young Rider Victor Ludorum. These are the riders who will be making their mark in the near future and are well-supported by the South African National Equestrian Federation (Sanef).
An exhausting but inspirational day for both riders and spectators, ended with the beautifully executed dressage display by WP Para dressage champion, Anthony Dawson.

The four days of intensive riding saw the cream of local and national riders, at junior and adult level showing off their very best. Spectators had a rare treat, not only in the splendour of the riding and the venue, but in the facilities at the venue.

Back in Cape Town next year? "You bet – and bigger and better," say Judy and Derek as they and their team take a well-deserved break.