Helena Gabrielsson is South East Asian World Cup League winner

by Peter Abisheganaden. Fiole pic by Natasha Mustapha is copyright of Equestrian.Com.My

Helena Gabrielsson has been confirmed as the winner of this year’s South East Asian World Cup League, in what was the tightest points finish in the league ever. Helena scored 58 points even before the Final, and although Philippines Toni Leviste made up huge ground in winning the League Final, she still was 1 point behind Helena, finishing on 57 points. Malaysia’s Qabil Ambak finished 3rd with 56 points.

It was a third league championship for Helena. She had also won the SEA World Cup League in 2000 and 2002. The Thailand based Swedish professional is recognized by the FEI as an “extra,” and as such both she and the top placed South East Asian national both get to go to FEI World Cup Final in Kuala Lumpur next April.

That South East Asian is Toni Leviste. But Qabil Ambak is also likely to get an invitation as the Malaysian organisers, Asiapromote Ventures has confirmed that they have got two wild cards for Malaysian riders.

The confirmation of the league winner has come more than a week after the Manila SEA World Cup League Final.

To download a PDF File with final South East Asian World Cup League standings, please click here:

Equestrian.Com.My’s Peter Abisheganaden conducted a short interview with Helena Gabrielsson:

Equestrian.Com.My: When did you think you had won the SEA World Cup League?
Helena Gabrielsson: I did my own calculation.

ECM: When did you find out you had been confirmed as the league winner, and who confirmed this?
HG: [The Technical Coordinator] Mr Ho confirmed to me and I also spoke to League Chairman Rafiq Radinal.

ECM: Why didn't you ride in the Manila SEA League Final ?
HG: I would have to put 650,000THB (approximately RM65,000 or US$17,100) for the (horse) traveling alone. Going there with Nippon Cargo Airlines and return with Fed Ex. At first I thought I can travel with the Thai Team, but they didn’t plan to take part in the World Cup and only arrived in Manila on the 17th of November.

ECM: Without going, did you still think you had any chance of winning the league? Or was it a total suprise?
HG: I had already scrapped all my hopes and was totally surprised

ECM: Now you are qualified for the KL World Cup Final. What difference does it make being the league winner?
HG: I suppose the possible benefits of being qualified means a lot in terms of costs involved going to a show this magnitude. Although Peter Winton had already kindly given me a clear to start 1 horse in the KL GP tour (meaning not in the WC classes) I am very grateful for that.

ECM: What does it mean to you to win the league with Aladdin?
HG: Of course it is a great feeling and specially since everyday is a bonus with him after what happened 2 years ago. [Aladdin was injured badly in 2003]. There were times we thought this horse would never jump again. Now I look forward to get ready for next year and hopefully be ready for the big event.