Profiles
Presenting the Young Riders - Proton KL Grand Prix 2004
By Contributing Writer
Oct 5, 2004

The Rising Stars To Watch For!

Proton KL Grand Prix 2004 – the glitziest equestrian show in the Southern Hemisphere!

Whilst everyone was abuzz with the top 25 best show jumpers in the world, the Young Riders were ready to make their dreams a reality. A lot of the first time KL Grand Prix riders were so impressive… making their countries proud!

Ellesse Tzinberg (MAS) - the 12-year-old, youngest rider at the Grand Prix also known as “Glitter Girl.” Her pony, Sarabago was sparkling with gold dust. Placed 6th in the Equitation KL City Hall YR Challenge Trophy, a consistent dressage champion and ranked 3rd in the FEI 2204 World Children’s Final in Hagen. A new comer in show jumping and given more experience, she will be deadly in the arena. (Her dream is to be the youngest medal winner at the Olympics)

Sira Knglapamnuay (THA) – the undisputed Asian Best Young Rider, who competes in both YR and Adult World Cup League. Known to be able to jump well with any horse – evidenced by riding strong willed pony “Cinnamon” who has trouble completing all obstacles trouble free and winning the class. Classy Rider!

Gaellle Tong (HKG), World Cup YR Champion – at 13 year old, she is known for her speed and accuracy on her Ex race horse, Capital Star (this sweet thoroughbred has won over $3 million during his racing days, wow). Gaelle wowed Malaysia with her wins in the 2004 season.


Dato’Jamaluddin Jarjis, Ikhwan Hafiz (MAS) and the very impressive La Bonita are hard to beat, winner of the 2004 Malaysian Young Rider Achievement Award. An impressive team ride with the champion, Dermott Lennon (IRE).



Andy Baharudin (MAS)– a newcomer who just started riding 2 years ago, Andy has great determination, works hard and has the great support of MAS Ambak family. (At KL Grand Prix, he had the advantage of riding the experienced champion, “Red Cloud”) Great team ride with Helena Lundback (SWE) He is destined to go far!

Dato’ Sri Mohd Salleh, Nurlin (MAS) – the young university student from Cambridge, winner YR World Cup League at the show, rode like a dream with her ever faithful 20 year old Jethro, a pony from NZ. She is still bonding with her new horse, Topaz.

Michelle Maria Barrera (PHI)– the 21 year old talent from the Phil who trains and studies in Australia, a jumper with a great style. In Australia, she rides in the World Cup League. (Definitely Olympic material).


Nathanart Bhinsaeng (THA) (fondly known as Ploy) – the rider with the best personality and an accurate and consistent show jumper. (Placing all the time). Placed in all the events, maybe the champion next year!


Lea Tan (MAS) - the 17 year old who ‘s got guts and talent of course – she won one of the World Cup Qualifier at the young age of 14. Rode a magnificent ride with International Rider Samantha McIntosh (BUL). Year 2004 may not be her year but watch out!

Younger brother Ken Tan is following the footsteps.





Catherine Chew (SIN), the 15 year old, the envy of lot of young riders for her horses with great breeding, Gardana Havanna from Denmark and Cadre Z, a young 6 year old from Paul Shockemohle.


Alex Maurer (MAS) the 21-year-old coach and winner of the SEA Category B Challenge will make its debut in the Adult World Cup next year.



Bea Rocha (PHI) – the newcomer, owner and rider of Globe Platinum Nazli (from the Pessoa stable) a cool rider with great sense of humor -no dressage, pls - but show jumping, no worries!

Other upcoming Young Riders…

Magali Tong (HKG), FEI young rider champion competed in Canada...

Neelan and




Sharmini Ratnasingham (MAS)...




Soraya Baharum (MAS)...

Amir Zulkefle (MAS), from Ministry of Sports, plans to continue studies in Australia, ABD Malik MOHD Aizat (MAS) and Toon Dhayang (MAS).





Watch them shine!




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