Hyde seeks support to raise his game

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Reigning national back-to-back Federation Equestre International (FEI) World Jumping Category B champion, Julian Hyde, is calling on corporate Jamaica to assist him in his quest to represent Jamaica at the Olympic Games.

Speaking to The Gleaner days after recapturing the national title at the Kingston Polo Club and Equestrian Centre in St Catherine, Hyde said given his performances in recent years, he knows that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level, but with the sport being an expensive one he would need help.

The championship was held over two days.

"If there is anybody from corporate Jamaica that can help we would really be grateful of the assistance," he said, after his flawless display in which he recorded no hits or knock-downs.

"My coach and I have been talking about the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) and Pan-Am Games as starters, but this sport is an expensive sport and I don't have the money to embark or go where I would like to eventually go, which is the Olympics.

"But before that we need a horse that is of a high quality and calibre, which is probably the most expensive part of it," he added.

Riding the bay gelding Shambal, the 23-year-old Hyde, who is a member of the Ponderosa Riding Club in Bog Walk, topped this year's field ahead of Kelly Nunes, who rode Comet, and Lacklife Leslie, who rode Sassy.

Nunes committed four faults, while Leslie had eight. Jonathan Vaz, riding Shabba Ranks, and Lexi Waites aboard Alex, finished fourth and fifth respectively after committing 12 faults.

"I was riding a horse recently imported from Florida by Mr John Walters and have been putting a lot into my riding, riding almost every day for the past couple of months," said Hyde, the son of former national footballer, Lenworth Sr.

"Also, the coaching that I have been getting from Mrs Betty Wates, who I have been riding with for the past 16 years. She has been helping me with things like my positioning and finding my proper taking-off spot, which has to be in sync with you and your horse," he explained.

Hyde also commended Courtney Vincent for the excellent care of his mount, Shambal, which was also judged the best presented horse.

It was the second year in which Vincent was receiving the award as the groom of the best presented horse.