The arrival to KL airport was a shock to the system with the high humidity in the late evening, but all fears of a difficult time in this friendly country were quickly relieved when we were whisked into a well airconditioned taxi and taken to our hotel which is just minutes from the Putra Stadium.

The Putra Stadium is part of an amazing sporting complex which houses the Institute of Sport along with a School for Athletes, which sees the students completing their normal schooling as well as concentrating on being exceptional performers in their chosen sport. The complex also houses football grounds and various other sporting grounds and then there is the arena where the World Cup Showjumping Final will be held....and it is a magnificent structure!

The 2006 World Cup Final is important in so many ways to so many people - it is the first time the World Cup Final has been awarded out of Europe or USA and the organisers have had this in their dreams for many years now - their hard work has been rewarded and recognised by the FEI and the international showjumping community who have made their way to KL to enjoy not just the showjumping but the beauty and friendliness of this city. The program of jumping has been carefully planned to allow visitors, be they working or spectating, to enjoy the sights of the city, from the incredible and huge shopping centres to the cultural delights of the Asian way of life - certainly an event worth being at.

Wednesday is the first day at the Putra Stadium and it is an opportunity for the riders to give the horses their first look at this imposing arena - there is no competition but each competitor is given 90secs in the arena - some of the more seasoned competitors chose to simply ride around and let their horses see everything without jumping fences, while others rode the numbered fences as if in a class. All the horses looked fit and fresh after what, for some, would have been a long trip coming from a very different climate - and the riders looked relaxed and comfortable, no doubt due to the care taken in all areas of the Stadium to ensure respite from the humidity.

The crowds were not huge on this opening day - but the dedicated showjumping fanatics were there in the stadium watching everyone, seeing how their horses looked, how the riders looked and what the general feeling was!
With such a spectacle just across the waters, many Australians came to see what the best in the world look like - and our cameras spotted Taddy and Jan McLean - pictured above right - from Victoria's Western Districts and relocated Western Australian showjumper, Fiona John and husband Rodney - pictured right - were also there to watch the jumping.
More Australians, this time involved in the running of the show, are ex-pat, Peter Winton, Director of the Show and New South Welshman, John Valance, part of the Ground Jury, enjoying a chat with a bevvy of beauties - pictured left.
The Judges box - pictured right - at an event of this magnitude sees a swarm of people making sure everything is run correct to rules and there are three judges, hand held timekeepers, electronic timekeepers and the commentator is also in the judges box, making this a very full and busy section, set high above the arena itself, ensuring the best view of all fences.

The army of volunteers means that course changes will go very smoothly and quickly judging by the enormous numbers of bodies to do the job - pictured above - the volunteers set about the business of changing the course after the warm up class.

Defending champion, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum,is in Malaysia with Checkmate - pictured below left and right - , having opted to jump Shutterfly in Italy earlier this month to prepare the horse for the outdoor circuit. Do not underestimate the talent of this horse and the determination of the rider to take out back to back titles - if the bookies were operating this combination would be at short odds.

The Brits are represented at this World Cup Final by Michael Whitaker and Robert Smith, who are both old hands at events such as this - and their relaxed style today in the warm up showed just what seasoned professionals they are.

Michael is riding the 14 year old KWPN mare, Insul Tech Portofino - pictured below left - , owned by Gillespie Equestrian and he has to his credit 17 World Cup final rides, and having been second in 2005, he will no doubt be looking to improve this year!

Robert Smith rides his own grey gelding, Kalusha - pictured right and below - who is now 12 years old and they have been going great guns together.

Robert is very laid back and today he showed just how much weight he has lost requiring him to wear his trade mark braces with his Great Britain tee-shirt. He is no stranger to KL having competed at the KL 5* show in 2004.
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