Alkass Digital
Mohammed Saeed Haidan is having a dream run in the new season of Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour 2021-22.
The impressive rider who clinched the Medium Tour title of the fourth round in convincing fashion on Friday, was back in action with authority and aplomb in the Big Tour at the indoor arena of Al Shaqab only to return another telling performance and land the top spot at the podium once again.
Haidan combining with his trusted mount D Saucedo, a 13-year-old dark brown stud, stole the show on a difficult course under lights winning the Big Tour Competition with winning round, Art 276.2.1 (131/140) clocking 44.86secs.
Cyrine Cherif, a close contender, finished second on Brennus Villelongue in 47.26secs.
Faleh Suwead Al Ajami on Ulano was third clocking 47.83secs.
Ten out of the total 17 riders had qualified for the winning round and were applauded by a good-sized audience.
Ali bin Yousef Al Rumaihi, Secretary-General of Qatar Equestrian Federation and Event Director of Hathab, honoured the winners.
Speaking of his commanding start to the 14-leg season where he has thus far won three Big Tour titles out of four, Haidan said, “Out of the four rounds of Hathab, I have won six classes in total thus far in Big and Medium.
“I attribute my success to the very nice team that I have with me in Michel -- who’s riding my horses in the mornings, and I have a very nice groom who knows exactly what to do with my horses. But above all, many thanks to my sponsor Sheikha Butaine Al Thani for me to ride her horses and win these titles.”
On his pleasing winning round ride today, Haidan said: “I made a good start and at the fifth obstacle I came very deep but the horse helped me. Then, I took time to clear the sixth obastacle and everyone asked why you went so wide, but I had made that decision at the very beginning so I took my time to it. We then rushed to the double and she jumped very good again and then just fly to the end. I was also lucky at the last hurdle and Ahemdillilah I won the title again. Yesterday (Friday) it was the Medium Tour, today the Big Tour. I am so very happy.”
Earlier, in the Open Class, Saeed Nasser Al Qadi stood out in the Table A, One round against the clock, FEI Art. 238.2.1 |115/120cm class winning in 54.49secs.