Mills finally crowned overall jumping queen

By Oscar Pilipili

The 2009 jumping season concluded with the Kenya Airways Horse of the Year Show (Hotys) at Jamhuri Park, Nairobi.

There were great competitions and top class shows as competitors went all out for end year honours.

Anita Mills won the overall trophy— Jumping Victor Ludorum— on Aristocrat and reserve on Satyam.

Mills was in outstanding form throughout the show. Aristocrat won the Championship of Kenya and the Proud Command Championship.

Satyam won the 1.10m Speed Championship and was second in the 1.10m Championship. Karen Mously and Justin Bengough were both victorious in the 1.10m 1m Championships.

In the young riders category, local rider Page Hardisty peaked beautifully, taking home the Young Riders Championship and Victor Ludorum, from Uganda’s Geoffrey Morley who was second on Prince of Africa in both these classes.

The children’s classes saw some quality riding from visiting Ugandan riders Katie Bowser, Kalye Walker and Charlie Morley who claimed Championship honours.

Local children riders Cloe Morrisby and Emily Willis were also victorious. Geoffrey’s Prince of Africa was Champion Hack and reserve Grand Champion under Saddle to Marylin Bengough’s Dexter ridden by Judy Limb. This show was an international event with riders from Tanzania and Uganda taking part along side all the Kenyan equestrian athletes.

Jason Abbs an international show jumping course designer from the UK built all the jumps for the five-day competitions.

The final day of the season ender was fun-packed family day with an appearance from Father Christmas who brought sacks of toys for the various children who came to enjoy the show.

Meanwhile, Jockey Club of Kenya has announced an amendment to the rules of racing.

Article 145.1 states that: No person shall act in a violent or improper manner on any land or premises used, licensed or controlled by the Stewards of Racing and no person shall commit any act which is prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct or good reputation of horse racing in Kenya or to bring horse racing in Kenya into disrepute, whether or not such act can constitute a breach of any of the foregoing Rules of Racing.

At the same time, the stewards of racing have cancelled the race meeting of January 3 due to insufficient entries.