Vale: Camelias
Wednesday, May 24th, 2006
Qabil Ambak's Camelias has passed away after a short bout of colic. Camelias condition deteriorated rapidly and passed away quickly while receiving veterinary treatment for colic on Monday night.It is a huge loss for Qabil and Malaysia as Camelias was the type of horse that riders find perhaps only once in a career. The 16 year old Selle Francais gelding by Nidor Platiere was the first horse ever to qualify for the World Equestrian Games in 2002, although they did not take their place in Jerez. Camelias created history by becoming the first horse ever to win two South East Asian Games showjumping championships 2001 and 2005.
With Camelias, Qabil was the South East Asian World Cup League winner in 2001. This was their breakthrough season for them, winning the Merdeka Masters, Premier Cup, Rolex World Cup in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur SEA Games.
They went on to compete in Europe for many seasons, qualifying for the Jerez World Equestrian Games of 2002. Camelias returned to Malaysia in 2004 to jump in the KL Grand Prix, and again in 2005 to jump in a few of the SEA World Cup League shows before winning the South East Asian Games in Manila in December 2005. Fittingly, it was to be Camelias last championship win.
Camelias will forever be remembered as the horse that launced Qabil to equestrian superstardom in Malaysia.
