May 23, 2007
© Asiapromote Ventures Sdn. Bhd.

KL GRAND PRIX CSI 5*

Swiss Markus Fuchs, the world number one rider, and Olympic Champion Rodrigo Pessoa will face off at the CSI 5* KL Grand Prix 2007 come November in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The three-time World Cup Champion and Olympic gold medallist Pessoa will be making his first appearance at the KL Grand Prix.  At only 35 years old and with the numerous titles and trophies he has under his belt, this showjumping extraordinaire is certainly a chip off the old block, the great Nelson Pessoa. The junior Pessoa is the only rider to have achieved three World Cup victories in succession and the youngest rider, at 19, to compete in the Olympic Games. It was the 1992 Barcelona Olympics where he finished an individual 9th, a proud achievement.

Pessoa’s comment on his maiden trip to Kuala Lumpur is, “Watch out Kuala Lumpur, I’m coming to town”.

“We are delighted that Rodrigo Pessoa is finally able to join us at the KL Grand Prix this year. It’s like having the Ronaldinho of football at our show,” said Wan Zaleha Radzi, Managing Director, Asiapromote Ventures, organizer of the KL Grand Prix.

It will be the third trip to the KL Grand Prix for world number one Markus Fuchs from Switzerland, who has billed the KL Grand Prix as one of the best shows in the world. He was bowled over with the quality of the footing which is so important to riders.

In making his KL Grand Prix debut, Pessoa joins an impressive line up of international riders. Ireland’s golden girl Jessica Kurten will be back. She did well in Kuala Lumpur finishing second in the 2006 FEI World Cup Jumping Final. So will Sweden’s favourite Malin Baryard, Eric van der Vleuten and Gerco Schroeder both from the Netherlands, Australia’s pride and joy Edwina Alexander, Spaniard Cayetano Martinez de Irujo and Samantha McIntosh from Bulgaria. The legendary Whitaker family from Britain – Michael and John will be competing in Kuala Lumpur once again and this year Robert and Ellen are joining them. Nick Skelton makes up the fifth Briton at the KL Grand Prix.

Other exciting international contenders, who will be on their first KL Grand Prix outing, on the list are up and coming Judy Ann Mechior of Zangersheide fame, Belgian/Ukranian Jean Claude Greenberghe, Olympic medallist and successful winegrower Otto Becker from Germany, the young and talented German rider Daniel Deusser, French maestro Michel Robert, Taizo Sugitani from Japan and New York heiress Georgina Bloomberg. Malaysia will be fielding her own stars, Syed Omar Almohdzar and Qabil Ambak in the KL Grand Prix.

The FEI Nations Cup Trophy makes its debut in Asia at the KL Grand Prix this year. Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Korea, China, Hong Kong, India, Qatar and Taiwan have been invited to field a team each. This will be the first time that Asian riders compete on their own horses to bring honour to their countries.

The CSI 5* KL Grand Prix returns with another serving of power and grace plus a sprinkling of fun and adventure, thrills and spills, topped off with spectacular and spine-tingling entertainment.

On top of exciting jumping events, there are more entertainment, fun and games this year at the KL Grand Prix.  Visitors to the KL Grand Prix will witness the French version of the vibrant art of movement - Le Parkour, introduced for the first time in Malaysia. They will be enthralled by the world champion Malaysian Lion and Dragon Dance Troupe and exhilarated by the fast and furious Pony Clubbers who will be all out to win the Mounted Games.

The Carnival will feature the She Yang Acrobatic Troupe from China and the amazing illusionist Moudini from Iran, among other fun activities. The Expo will have over 200 booths showcasing equestrian products, handicraft, souvenirs, fashion items, jewellery and other products.

The fourth edition of the CSI 5* KL Grand Prix is being held at Putra Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from November 22 to 25, 2007.

Entrance to the show is very affordable with tickets starting at MYR10. Visitors have the option to watch the show in comfort and exclusive surroundings by taking advantage of the Paddock Club Hospitality. For more information on the KL Grand Prix, please visit www.klgrandprix.com and for Paddock Club Hospitality, please call Maya on +603-7955 9995.