Gov Cup horse show opens today in Mandaue

The much-anticipated Governor’s Cup 2008 Horse Show and Competition unfolds this afternoon at the Mandaue City Reclamation Area.

The event, formerly known as the Kabayo Festival starts with a parade from the Cebu International Convention Center to the racetrack where “Western” and “English” riders will walk side-by-side their horses.

Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, whom the event is named after, will again lead the parade. The governor will have company in local government officials like Borbon Mayor Butch Sepulveda, Liloan Mayor Duke Frasco and Compostela Mayor Richie Wagas. Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes is also expected to grace the event.

Among Cebu’s bets in the competition are Joel Abalos in show jumping, Jun and Louie Miñoza in the obstacle course and Jake Mendoza and Anton Quisumbing.

Challenge will be provided by visiting riders from Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Malaybalay, Imasugong among others.

The competition, however, doesn’t start until tomorrow with show jumping and barrel race. The show ends with the obstacle course on Sunday.

Riders will be classified into Class A, B, Youth, Auxiliary and Royal. The Royal class is for riders who ride for fun.—Caecent No-ot Magsumbol.