Qatar Tribune
Mohammed Khalifa Albaker’s hard work during the off-season is reflected in the sixth season of Qatar Equestrian Tour – Longines Hathab big time as the young rider swept the second round competition in the Big Tour and Open Class with aplomb at the indoor arena of Qatar Equestrian Federation on Saturday evening.
The tall and elegant Albaker took the first and third podium place in the Big Tour (One round against the clock 130/140cm) riding dark brown mare Verona and bay stud Lissabon 56 respectively.
The triumph follows his Big Tour win in the first leg of the 14-round Longines Hathab series a fortnight ago.
Being second in the ring among 16 riders, Albaker jumped flawlessly setting the fastest time of 65.25 seconds to leave others on the trail. The competition saw only two clear rounds with Sheikh Khalifa Al Thani taking the runners-up spot riding Serendipity and finishing in 68.28secs.
The 23-year-old Albaker returned to action a second time with Lissabon 56 only to emerge swifter, finishing in 63.94secs but he clipped a barrier on one of the 11 obstacles to have four penalties. But it was still good enough for him to claim third place as well.
Earlier, Albaker topped a star-studded Open Class (two phases 115/120cm) astride dark bay gelding Jumbo. He finished his first faultless ride in 31.27secs, and the second again flawless at an impressive 26.68secs.
Other accomplished riders – Hussain Saeed Haidan, Ghanim Nasser Al Qadi, and Nasser Al Ghazali finished second, third and fourth respectively.
Speaking of his blazing start to the new season, Albaker said, “This was the second tour of the season and I am very glad about my results. I want to thank all the supporters and also my sponsors Alfardan group for this opportunity.
“This was my second win on the trot and I hope better things will come in the future, Inshaallah.
“The results are a result of the hard work I did this summer, also my sponsor backed me with some very good horses so I was lucky. I hope this continues,” the student in finance in accounting added.
The third round of Longines Hathab will take place
from September 30th-October 1st at the same venue.