May 20, 2006
© Asiapromote Ventures Sdn. Bhd.
We did it! Malaysia did herself proud with the very successful 2006 FEI World Cup Jumping Final, the very first to be held in an Asian city.
It is another feather in her cap for Malaysia who is now the talk of the equestrian world. In the words of the outgoing FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale) President, HRH The Infanta Dona Pilar de Borbon, “It was fantastic and beautifully organised, and people enjoyed it very much as it was a very good show, excellent quality.” Founder of the FEI World Cup Jumping Series, Max E. Ammann remarked that having attended all 28 World Cup Finals, the Kuala Lumpur Final was the best ever Final he has seen. Congratulations and rave reviews have been streaming in and the organiser is overjoyed with the success.
Four years in the dreaming, two years in the making and the FEI World Cup Final came to past on April 26, 2006 at Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur. It was five days of thrilling action in the arena and fun and games at the equestrian extravaganza. Malaysian arts and handicraft, tourism industry and equestrian products and services were showcased and promoted at the Expo, which also offered specialty goods, educational products and activities for kids. Malaysia’s famed tropical rainforest was the setting for the event and her culture and traditions were reflected in the jumps, horse rugs, trophies, rosettes, attire of those working at the show as well as the entertainment. Malaysia’s horse culture was brought to the fore by the bareback riders from Kelantan in an exciting game of horseball (netball on horseback) and the Bajau horsemen resplendent in their colourful costumes. Known as the Cowboys of the East, the Bajaus from the Land Below the Wind, once a seafaring people, gave a preview of their horsemanship astride their gaily-adorned mounts.
Taking the FEI World Cup Final out of the time-honoured domains of Western Europe and North America was a major achievement for Malaysia. The privilege of organising the 28th edition of the FEI World Cup Final was awarded to Asiapromote Ventures Sdn Bhd on the strength of the highly successful 2003 and 2004 KL Grand Prix CSI 5* which cemented the country’s expertise and capability in organising world-class international equestrian events.
Millions across the globe watched with abated breath to see who will ride away with this year’s World Cup title. The 2006 FEI World Cup Final beamed around the world is the most televised equestrian event ever in the history of the FEI. Live broadcasts of the Final captured the highest TV ratings ever to be achieved for the sport.
Dreams do come true, and for the intrepid husband and wife team of Peter Imran Winton and Wan Zaleha Radzi, a well-known TV personality and a reputed equestrian, their dream to hold the world’s most important equestrian event was finally crystallised. Said Wan Zaleha Radzi, Managing Director of Asiapromote, “The FEI World Cup Final would not have been possible without the FEI’s belief in us and the support of the Malaysian government and all our sponsors”. The advent of the FEI World Cup Final has placed Malaysia in pole position in the development of equestrian sports in the region, and will be the forerunner of more international horse shows to come.