Leviste books trip to WC final

Olympian Toni Leviste made it to the World Cup Showjumping Finals with an emphatic victory in the Manila leg of the prestigious equestrian tournament held over the weekend at the Alabang Golf and Country Club.

Atop her chestnut gelding Globe Platinum Maktub, Leviste scored a follow-up clear round to defeat Hong Kong’s Charlotte Morse in a scintillating jump-off that left hundreds of spectators at the edge of their seats.

With the win, Leviste earned the right to represent Southeast Asia in the World Cup next year. She also served notice of her intent to bag a gold medal in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA) which the Philippines is hosting.

Of the riders who competed, only Leviste and Morse rode clear rounds in the first round to set the stage for a timed showdown over a shortened course.

Going first in the jump-off, Leviste put tremendous pressure on Morse when she rode a clear round with a time of 54.45 seconds.

Needing to beat the Filipina’s time, Morse rode fast atop O’Jasper only to see her title bid disappear when the stallion clipped and brought down the very last fence. She was meted four jump faults in her run of 54.64 seconds.

Malaysia’s Qabil Ambak, Quizier Ambak and Syed Omar, and the Philippines’ Jones Lanza and Joker Arroyo finished the first round with jumping penalties.

With Globe Platinum Maktub, one of the most consistently well-performing horses in the region, Leviste expressed confidence of having a good chance of landing a SEA Games gold medal.