Hong Kong riders got off to an excellent start at the 28th FEI World Cup final jumping event yesterday with Magali Tong taking first place on ex-racehorse Open Treasure to win the Young Riders Debut Cup.
Competing against riders from nine other countries over fences of 1.1 metres, Tong rode a stunning clear round in slightly under 38 seconds despite Open Treasure displaying high spirits by bucking.
A jubilant Stuart Mitchell, trainer of the Hong Kong team, said: 'Magali has now gone clear in the last six shows she has competed in. All the riders are going well and I am delighted by this start.'
Magali's sister, Gaelle, on Capital Star, rode an equally fast round but was unfortunate to have one fence down, incurring four penalties.
The cream of the showjumping world has converged on Kuala Lumpur for this week's event.
In the International Team Trophy qualifier, held against the clock over 1.2m fences, Hong Kong's Nicole Pearson went clear to take third place on Happy King. Kenneth Cheng took 10th place on Jay Bee Schultz with Jennifer Chang coming 13th on Sport Seeker.