Fourteen-year-old Hong Kong rider Arianna Ladd, riding retrained racehorse Mountain Treasure, finished a highly creditable second in the finals of the 2011 FEI Children's International Classic competition, which were successfully concluded at The Hong Kong Jockey Club's Beas River Equestrian Centre today (14 January). The champion was 13-year-old Sarah Vasconcellos of Brazil.
Club Deputy Chairman Dr Simon Ip, in his capacity as President of Hong Kong Equestrian Federation, Club Steward Michael Lee, who is also the Vice-President of HKEF, and Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges were on hand today to present the prizes and souvenirs to the winners. They had high praise for the equestrian skills of the young riders.
This is the first time the finals of this prestigious jumping contest, sanctioned by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), have been held in Hong Kong, with some 20 local and overseas riders between the ages of 12 and 14 taking part from countries as far apart as South Africa, France and New Zealand.
The five-day event was co-organised by Hong Kong Equestrian Federation and The Hong Kong Jockey Club, which besides making available the competition venue and stabling facilities, provided more than 20 retrained racehorses for the contestants' use. The Club also provided veterinary care and other professional supporting services for the event. The facilities earned many plaudits from participants for their high quality.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has become one of Hong Kong's best known and respected organisations, providing the public with world-class sporting entertainment as well as being the city's major non-Government community benefactor, now donating more than HK$1 billion a year to charitable and community projects. It has been a part of Hong Kong through good times and bad, sharing the city's growth and development with its people, and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for future generations.
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Winner Sarah Vasconcellos (centre, back row) from Brazil receives a prize from Dr Simon Ip (front), Club Deputy Chairman and President of HKEF.
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Club Steward and Vice-President of HKEF, Mr Michael Lee (right) presents the trophy to Hong Kong rider Arianna Ladd (left).
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Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (right) and one of the young international riders.
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Photo 4 , Photo 5:
Arianna Ladd, 14, finished a highly creditable second on retrained racehorse Mountain Treasure.
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