On the penultimate weekend of May, the first of this year's sports events took place in the grounds of the National Stud - the May Prize of the National Stud Farm Topoľčianky. More than 120 riding pairs from all over Slovakia and the Czech Republic came to test their strength, which resulted in 330 starts. Competitions were opened from the ZM to M (130 cm) level. As part of this event, one of the qualifying rounds of the Young Horse Criteria, which is covered by the Association of Horse Breeders in Slovakia, was held. The rich audience backdrop made the atmosphere of the entire event pleasant.
The course designer was an experienced Ján Kopiš from the Czech Republic. The panel of officials, who ensured the smooth running of all competitions, was commanded by Anka Virágová, the other members were Martina Kredatusová, Kamil Šulko and Patrik Mikulášik. A big “thank you” goes to the sponsors of the event, who donated interesting prizes in kind to the winners and runners-up. They were the companies Horse Services, Cavalor Slovakia, Heineken, Prohorse, Falabella Equistore, JK pri Národný zrebčín and Národný žrebčín Topoľčianky.
May Prize of the National Stud Farm Topoľčianky
11 riding pairs entered Saturday's main prize at a height of 130 cm against the clock. Without a mistake and with the best time, Igor Šulek won with the mare Rosanna from JK Ranch Palomino Bohunice. With the second fastest time and no penalties, Ján Cigan on Jacarta from JK JMC Lužany took second place. Ján Cigan took third place again, but this time with the horse Taggi.
Sunday's main prize was on level "M" – 130 cm with jump off. 15 riding pairs met at the start. 8 of them advanced to the jump off. Igor Šulek vindicated his victory from Saturday, but this time the speed and attention over the jumps was shown by the experienced white horse Lafibolus from Ranch Palomino Bohunice. Second place went to Zdenek Kuchár with his horse Jaravantos VTH from JK Slávia Spišská Nová Ves. The third place was won by Barbora Sokolová from Ranch Palomino Bohunice with the horse Catch the Win.
Criteria for young horses
The Association of Horse Breeders in Slovakia, a cooperative, as a recognized breeding organization for the purpose of testing the useful characteristics of young horses using the results for heredity control, opened in the 2024 sports season the Criteria for young horses in horse jumping for four, five and six-year-old horses. The final will take place as part of the Young Horse Championship in Trenčín - Nozdrkovce on October 5-6, 2024.
In the category of 4-year-old horses, 6 pairs of riders took part. Three horses completed a clear round at a height of 100 cm. The category of 5-year-old horses was the most numerous, the start list included up to 15 equestrian pairs, of which 7 were able to complete the round at a height of 110 cm without penalty points. 6-year-old horses jumped at a height of 120 cm. Out of the nine registered, 6 horses finished without a mistake.
We congratulate all the winners and runners-up on their good results and wish you another successful sports season.
Detailed results of all competitions can be found at www.sjf.sk and www.nztopolcianky.sk
Author of the text and photo: NŽT
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