Barbados No.2 among showjumpers

Despite the thrills and spills, and non-finishers at the recently concluded Barbados Olympic Association’s (BOA) Barbados Independence Invitational Games Showjumping Competition at Yorkshire Stables, it was enough to put Barbados in second place behind Bermuda and ahead of third-placed Cayman Islands.

In Class 1 (0.70 metres), nine-year-old Lena Tempro, aboard Whirl Wind, better known as Windy, finished her two rounds with a total of four jumping faults and a time of 52.27 seconds to take the win. Second place went to veteran Paige Tryhane and Chance, making their first appearance in the arena. Kimberly Lampkin rode her way into third place aboard Essien.

While many were expecting Abigail Haloute and Dakota to top this division, the pair unfortunately had two early rails, putting them out of the winners circle. Slade Jones and an inexperienced Little Boy Blue did not make it around the course. However, they did not disappoint, lending some much needed entertainment to the spectators.

Dylan Frost piloted Haze to a podium finish with two clear rounds in 48.43 seconds, over Jodi Haloute and Stella Blue in Class 2 (0.85 metres). In third spot was starter Candace Jones and Spartan with four jumping faults in 48.80 seconds.

Paula Galbraith, with her partner Maverick, put in their final performance in the competition ring and were also strong competitors. Maverick will now retire from competition and enjoy his time pleasure riding with his longtime partner Galbraith. They have had a great run, winning both in dressage and jumping competitions over the last 12 years.

In the one metre (Class 3) division, Adrianna Watson and retrained thoroughbred Soca Kid and copped the win over 13-year-old Indy Jones and Sir Glacken. Watson finished her two rounds with four jumping faults in 59.36 seconds, while Jones ended with eight faults in 49.36 seconds, which ended the event and put Barbados in second place overall for the region. (RA)