The Peninsula
Prominent Qatari rider Mohammed Saeed Haidan displayed impressive equestrian skills to steal the limelight in the Medium Tour individual and teams’ competitions in the second round of the Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour, yesterday.
At the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s indoor arena, the popular rider, 30, excelled in the jump-off round of both the individual and team contests as he grabbed the victory in dominant fashion.
Haidan, who competed against a 30-strong line-up in the Medium Tour individual event, rode D Saucedo with a faultless 32.05secs to corner the victory.
Cyrine Cherif, who was on Brennus Villelongue, and clocked 34.67secs, finished second while Khalid Sanad Al Nuaimi, astride Gop Stop, came third in 37.43 secs in the jump-off.
Haidan's excellent show continued when he competed in an exciting team event in the Medium Tour as the Lekhwiya-employed rider led Team Alfardan to a thrilling win with his 14-year-old grey mare Miss Chili.
Haidan completed the 10-obstacle jump off round in a swift 32.91secs. Mohammed Khalifa Al Baker (Lissabon 56) and Khalid Sanad Al Nuaimi (Goliat) were the rest of the members of his team.
Team Ajwad came second after Cherif and her 11-year-old stallion Brennus Villelongue completed the jump off in 34.67 secs.
Team ExxonMobil finished third.
“We took a risk and it paid off,” Haidan after his ride.
“Miss Chili had two individual rounds earlier but the rules allow us to ride the same horse in case of a jump-off and we took the chance. Because I know she can faster than all the horses.
She jumped very very good and I had only Cherif to beat and she did a clear round and quite fast too. But again I felt I could do faster and managed to go two seconds up,” he explained.
“Yes it’s been a good start and tomorrow I am riding Danny in the Big Tour the first big class for me this season and hopefully he’ll do good,” Haidan, the winner in both classes in the season opening round, said after yesterday's presentation ceremony.
Haya Al Hitmi clinches Small Tour win
Earlier, in the Small Tour, 14-year-old Haya Khalid Al Hitmi and her bay mare Dusty took the top honours with the best two fastest and faultless phases in brilliant fashion.
Haya and the Qatar Equestrian Federation-owned mare clocked an error-free 23.69secs and 28.40 secs respectively as the young Qatari rider topped the highly challenging 66-entry field to bag QR5,000 in prize money.
“This is my second show after I suffered a tendon injury, we’ve been winning earlier but this is my first overall Small Tour win this season. Last round I won in the juniors and this week I have won in the juniors and Small Tour and I am happy,” the jubilant Haya said after her win.
Jassim Al Jaham Al Kuwari cinched the second place astride Calydor after clocking faultless 28.08 and 28.67secs respectively.
Saif Mohammed Al Naimi completed the podium after finishing his two rounds in 27.26 and 29.10 secs respectively on Sidney.
Today, Mohammed Khalifa Albaker will be hoping to clinch his second consecutive Big Tour win but he is expected to get a tough competition as Cherif and Sheikh Khalifa Al Thani also showed impressive performances in the season-opening round. Hussain Saeed Haidan, who rode Viahipi D’auzay to secure Open Class title, will also look to continue his winning momentum today.
The Longines Hathab season comprises 14 rounds, which will be held at QEF Indoor Arena and the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab until April 2023.