KYALAMI EQUESTRIAN PARK, KYALAMI (Wednesday, 11 April 2012) – Shaun Neill, riding Clyde Z, won the 2012 Adult SA Outdoor Grand Prix held at the Nissan Easter Festival yesterday (9 April).
The veteran award winner, who has won a variety of titles with his previous stallion, was pleased with the performance of his more recent steed. “I’ve been in partnership with Clyde Z for two years now so hopefully we’ll go from strength to strength,” said Neill.
Tied in second place were Anne-Marie Esslinger (Alzu Oarsman), Paige Shiller (Midgard Glamour), David Wilken (Don’t Touch), Ashlee Hausberger (Quinsey) and last year’s winner, Barry Taylor (Nissan Nabab Forever). Because a Grand Prix competition is run over two rounds, with neither of the round’s time counting, there are often a few ties in a competition of this nature.
Taylor, who rides for Team Nissan, was the recipient of this year’s Victor Laudorum for achieving the most points throughout the competition. Along with the other riders, he now has his sights set on winning the Nissan-sponsored sports crossover Nissan Juke, which will be awarded to the best rider over six events in three provincial competitions, including today’s. “At the moment I’m in the lead,” said Taylor. “The next event is at Shongweni in KwaZulu-Natal.”
Nissan managing director Mike Whitfield was delighted with this year’s 10-day Nissan Easter Festival which has become an annual event in partnership with the Gauteng Horse Society.
“Every year it’s been getting better and better. What is really important for us is the turnout in terms of the number of people, the participation of the riders and the variety of events on offer. It has really become a family day out and we’re committed to growing the event with our continued sponsorship.”
