Alkass Digital
The opening day of the inaugural Al Shaqab International League provided a glimpse into the future of equestrian excellence in Qatar, as young and women riders displayed their talent in abundance yesterday.
Organised by Al Shaqab – a member of the Qatar Foundation – the showjumping event has been launched to provide a platform for the upcoming riders of all ages and backgrounds to hone their skills and graduate to international level. The Al Shaqab International League has given a strong emphasis on promoting opportunities for female and junior riders. At the Indoor Arena of Al Shaqab, there was a keen contest among young riders as they battled it out for top honours.
The Open Class had the largest representation with 27 combinations making up the quality field, which was held over two rounds on a height of 125-130cm. In the end, it was Rashid Towaim al-Marri who bagged the CSI1* class with his nine-year-old mare Van Gallettana Z, as the pair registered a fastest second round time of 28.25 secs. Following in second spot was Hamad Towaim Ali al-Marri, who timed 29.96 secs with Baron Z H. The third place went to Mohamed Abdulla S H Juma, who partnered Hurry Up to come in 29.99 secs.
Earlier, in the Ladies Class – the opening event of the first edition of the Al Shaqab International League – talented teenager Haya Khalid al-Hitmi reigned supreme with veteran mare Dusty. The duo timed 27.66 secs. Maryam Jassim al-Suwaidi was second with Khaleesi in 28.45 secs, while Maryam Ahmad al-Boinin came third on The Toymaker in 29.36 secs.
The Future Champions class was won by Hadi Nasser al-Shahwani with another veteran mare Beyonce. Khalid Nasser al-Khater (Actograna SZ) and Ahmad Ali al-Jaber (Diamond Legacy) finished second and third respectively.
Suhaim Hamad al-Yafei emerged on top with Indie SKB in the Junior Champions category. Sheikh Mohamed Jassim A J al-Thani was second with Serendipity, while Mohamed Eisa al-Bukhari led BCO Come on Boy Z to third place.
ResultsCSI1*
Open Class: 1. Rashid Towaim al-Marri; Horse: Van Gallettana Z; Times: 38.01 & 28.25 secs; 2. Hamad Towaim Ali al-Marri; Baron Z H; 35.89 & 29.96 secs; 3. Mohamed Abdulla S H Juma; Hurry Up; 35.61 & 29.99
Junior Champions: 1. Suhaim Hamad al-Yafei; Horse: Indie SKB; 2. Sheikh Mohamed Jassim A J al-Thani; Serendipity; 3. Mohamed Eisa al-Bukhari; BCO Come on Boy Z
Youth Champions: 1. Saad Ahmed al-Saad; Horse: Irschi. Time: 35.94 & 31.04 secs; 2. Faris Saad A H al-Qahtani; Hero; 35.25 & 31.61 secs; 3. Khalifa Abdulla al-Khaldi; Graffiti De Lully CH; 33.67 & 32.08 secs.
Ladies Class: 1. Haya Khalid al-Hitmi; Horse: Dusty; 2. Maryam Jassim al-Suwaidi; Khaleesi; 3. Maryam Ahmad al-Boinin; The Toymaker
Future Champions: 1. Hadi Nasser al-Shahwani; Horse: Beyonce; 2. Khalid Nasser al-Khater; Actograna SZ; 3. Ahmad Ali al-Jaber; Diamond Legacy