2021 Derby Competitor (First time competitor)

Q: Tell us about the horse that changed the sport for you. 

A: My heart horse is Quantas 18. We have aways had a very special partnership from the day that I met her. She’s always been a very special mare, I felt it the second I laid eyes on her six years ago, when I went to ride for a summer with Johan Kachelhoffer. She was a seven year old at the time, and had been with Johan for most of her earlier years. She is a very proud mare, and has always saved her best for the competition arena. I have been lucky enough to have ridden Quantas in both my junior/young rider and adult career. My first big win with Quantas was the junior president’s cup, a couple of months after she had arrived in South Africa, and from then on she has maintained her winning spirit. 

Q: Who will you be riding on Derby day? 

A: The horse I am going to be jumping in the 2021 United Derby is L’adorado FG, a ten year old gelding from Sancho Voerman, that we bought as a 1:30m horse. He is very big and brave and I have had him for three years. It’s taken me a long time to get the hang of him, as his rideability has been a challenge due to him being so different from my other horses. Having said that, he is very brave and I feel that he always has my back in every single arena we’ve ever jumped in. In terms of my expectations, I would love to have a confident round and hopefully safely see the finish for both my horse and myself. And of course to enjoy the experience!

Q: What’s do you think is the most intimidating Derby fence?

A: The derby bank is definitely the most intimidating obstacle for me, as neither my horse nor I have ever done it. Also I’d imagine jumping the planks at the bottom is very difficult as it’s very dependent on the jump you get off the bank. I am hoping my horse is going to take the reins on that one.