Leviste gives equestriennes title ride

Toni Leviste showcased two flawless rounds while Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski bravely returned from a fall in the first round to do her share for the teaam in the second round as the Filipino equestriennes topped the team event in the 23rd SEA Games at the Alabang Country Club yesterday.

Leviste was simply amazing in her partnership with Globe Platinum Maktub while Cojuangco-Jaworski figured in a freak accident and was disqualified atop Globe Platinum Leap of Faith early on but mounted the same horse for redemption in the second round.

And with Juan Ramon Lanza and Joker Arroyo giving their own contributions in the four-to-compete, three-to-count format, the Philippines came from behind to beat Malaysia for the gold medal in the team event. The bronze medal went to Thailand.

The Philippines finished with just 13 faults to Malaysia’s 24 and Thailand’s 34.

For her courage to return in the second round despite the fall , Cojuangco-Jaworski got huge accolade from her teammates and the RP team supporters.

Curiously, the Busan Asian Games gold medalist competed in the event on a borrowed horse from good friend Leviste.

"She was not riding her horse. She had to use Toni’s backup horse because it was more conditioned for this type of course," said team manager Ma.Carissa Coscolluela.

"She was not really used to riding this horse. But the woman has nerves of steel," said Leviste.

According to Leviste, Cojuangco-Jaworski practiced with Globe Platinum Leap of Faith for only two days.

Despite an aching arm, Cojuangco-Jaworski performed almost spotless in the second round, just knocking off a pole in a fence in one instance for four faults.

Leviste, Lanza and Arroyo counted for the Philippines in the first round where the team trailed Malaysia by one.

The three compete tomorrow in the individual event where they are also fancied to win the gold.

Cojuangco-Jaworski has been eliminated in the individual event as a result of her fall yesterday.