Caracas (VEN), 18 June 2012 – Colombia’s Juan Manuel Gallego claimed gold at the 2012 FEI World Jumping Challenge Final in Caracas, Venezuela yesterday. The silver medal went to Ecuador’s Rodrigo Bermeo Andrade, while Zimbabwe’s Charley Crockart pipped the host nation’s Emanuel Andrade for the bronze.
The event began at the Lagunita Country Club last Wednesday with the opening ceremony followed by a draw for the pool of horses, and Gallego’s first stroke of good fortune came when he was partnered with Carnida Z, who rounded up a superb week by claiming the special award for Best Horse of the tournament.
Competitors from 15 countries – Colombia, Ecuador, Syria, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, Algeria, Iran, South Africa, India, Chile, Bermuda, Jamaica, Indonesia, Mauritius and Costa Rica – lined out in the battle for the coveted title.
FIRST STAGED
The FEI World Jumping Challenge Final was first staged in 2001 by PSI, the company created by German champion rider, trainer and businessman Paul Schockemohle who has been instrumental in providing horses for, and developing the skills of, many of today’s top equestrian athletes.