BARBADOS FAILED in its bid to capitalise on home court advantage when the first leg of the Caribbean Equestrian Association (CEA) Junior Jumping Competition came off recently at the Big C Stables in Christ Church.
Instead they had to settle for second best to the Trinidadian team of Hadley Rahael and Jordanne Brown, who finished with a combined total of five points, taking the top honours in the two-day tournament.
The Barbados team of Georgia Porter and Indy Jones, the latter competing in her first CEA championship, gave a very good account of themselves over the two days of the competition, but faltered at times in their drive to match the performances of the Trinidadians.
They ended with three points to grab second place, while the Cayman Islands, who started Day 2 level with Jamaica on one point, broke the deadlock to finish in third place with two points. Jamaica failed to add to their overnight tally.
In the final round of the Under-16 division Hannah De Leon of Jamaica gave everyone a scare when she fell heavily after her mount stumbled after coming over the second last hurdle. As she lay writhing in pain while holding her back, the ambulance team on hand rushed to her aid, quickly whisking her away for further attention.
Speaking with Midweek Sport, coach Diana Clarke was full of praise for the way the event came off.
“This was easily one of our best CEA events in a long time. We all had loads of fun, everyone totally enjoyed themselves and the competition was very tight. Congrats to the Trinidadians for winning the first leg.”
The coach also singled out young Jones as one to watch in the future.
“When you think she is only ten years old and did so well in this her first international competition, ending with only four faults, it is impressive for her age, competing with others 14 years and over.”
The second round of the competition will take place in the Cayman Islands in April, the third in Trinidad and Tobago in September, and the final round will be contested in Jamaica in November. (CH)
