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June 7, 2014

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Han fails to finish routine but show is a hit with fans

By Ma Yue | June 7, 2014, Saturday | Print Edition

THE sole Chinese rider failed to complete his debut routine at the Global Champions Tour yesterday but the first five-star show-jumping event got a positive feedback from local fans.

Han Zhuangzhuang is the only Chinese face in the three-day show. The 24-year-old Beijing native took part in the two-phase class 1/1.45-meter — the first event of the tournament ­— at the arena in front of the China Art Museum in Pudong.

However, his horse Centaura failed to clear the second obstacle, forcing Han to retire from the competition as per rules.

The obstacle, unlike other barriers, had a picture of Shanghai’s landmark structures on it.

“The reflection of light from the picture kind of disturbed me. I miscounted the steps and gave a wrong signal to my horse,” Han explained afterwards.

Han was separated from Centaura for two years, as the horse could not be ferried to China due to quarantine issues. With Shanghai reaching a deal with the agriculture committee of the European Union to be named a temporary non-epidemic area, Han was able to reunite with his beast, which was under the care of his coach in Britain. “I just wanted to take part and compete against myself,” he said.

Switzerland’s Jane Richard Philips topped 29 other riders in class 1/1.45m on Zekina Z, clocking 38.14 seconds. Alberto Michan Halbinger of Mexico, astride Colombina LS, finished second. Italian Emanuele Gaudiano, on Caspar 232, was third.

In the next Game of Class 2, the barriers were raised to 1.5m, requiring more power from the animals. Constant van Paesschen of Germany, riding Citizenguard Cadjanine Z, won, clocking 31.18 seconds, followed by Irishman Billy Twomey on Ardcolum Duke and Ukraine’s Cassio Rivetti on Chataga.

It’s the first time that a five-star show-jumping event is being held on China’s mainland. Thousands showed up despite yesterday being a working day. “We are not familiar with the rules, but the horses are so pretty and we enjoyed their movements along with the riders’ performance,” said a young office lady.

Nikki Whelan, an Irish expat who has been in Shanghai for just two months, was also happy to see a world-class equestrian event but was held back by the ticket prices. “Otherwise I would have brought along my daughter,” she said.

Two events will be held today, with the highest obstacle set at 1.6m, which is considered to be the toughest for the horses.

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