Shaun Neill won the prestigious 2011 Nissan Riders Showjumping Championship of South Africa held at Kyalami Equestrian Park on Sunday 03 July 2011. Neill fought off stiff competition from Neriska Prinsloo and Lorette Knowles-Taylor, who tied for second position, and fourth-placed Paige Shiller. The riders competed against each other on their own horse and each of their counterparts’ horses.
Despite failing to win four clear rounds – a stipulation to win the Nissan Navara – Nissan South Africa (Nissan SA) decided to compromise and award the 4X4 light commercial vehicle to the overall winner for a period of one year.
Said Nissan SA managing director Mike Whitfield: “Even though the Navara wasn’t won outright, we were impressed with the quality of the showjumpers over each of the four rounds.”
Neill and Prinsloo each had a pole down in the third round when it was announced that there was still a chance to win a year-long sponsorship of the vehicle.
Neill ended on just four penalties over the four rounds, putting him in first place and giving him the chance to drive the Nissan Navara for the next twelve months.
“I thought it was all over after dropping a pole,” said Neill. “I really appreciate Nissan’s gesture which has given me the opportunity to experience the thrill of the Navara, even if just for a year.”
Prinsloo’s horse, Balito Bay, was the top-performing horse with faultless rounds under all four riders.
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