30 entries for MEF show jumping event

The fourth Malta Equestrian Federation (MEF) Ranking Show Jumping event was held last weekend at tal-Magħtab Equestrian Centre. The competition was very well-attended with over 30 entries and riders coming from different clubs.

The event featured no fewer than six classes, ranging from the 50cm jumping hurdle to the international preliminary standard course with fences of up to 1.20 metres.

Highlights of the event included a nailbiting jump-off in the 80cm junior class where Luke Gauci and his horse, Prince, clinched first place with no faults and a speedy round that was just 0.05 seconds faster than his competitors.

Thomas Xuereb, on Kenzo, also produced a quality showing, jumping clear in the 1.10 metre class for adults. Kenzo is new to the local show-jumping scene but performed superbly and many expect it to become a top contender for the MEF Annual in a few months' time.

Meanwhile, the MEF, in conjunction with the Federation Equestre Internationale, will introduce more training initiatives in the coming weeks as part of its long-term drive to prepare local riders and coaches for regional and international competitions.

Winners - juniors and seniors

50cm class: S. Briffa (Pedrita), G. Aquilina (Blue).

60cm class: R. Gatt (Lilly), G. Camilleri (Vito).

70cm class: S. Cremona (Amy), C. Cuschieri (Kinta).

80cm class: L. Gauci (Prince), C. Cuschieri (Kinta).

90 cm class: S. Manduca (India), S. Micallef (Ginger).

One metre class: D. Micallef (Tia).

1.1 metre class: T. Xuereb (Kenzo).

1.2 metre class: D. Schmid (Love Parade), T. Xuereb (Kenzo).