The Peninsula
Qatari rider Salmeen Sultan Al Suwaidi yesterday produced a flawless routine with Cantaro 32 to win the Big Tour in round 6 of the Hathab Series.
The 18-year-old gelding clocked a time of 34.13 seconds in the jump-off as Al Suwaidi bagged the top prize of QR 9,625 on what was the second and final day of round 6 held at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s (QEF) Outdoor Arena in Al Rayyan.
Nasser Al Ghazali, astride Colibri 19, sealed the second spot. Colibri 19 produced a time of 35.39 seconds as Al Ghazali won QR 7,875.
The third place was secured by Ahmed Mohammed Al Badi who was in the saddle with Monopoly (4 faults, 41.27 seconds). Al Badi got richer by QR 6,125 in the 130-145cm competition.
Saeed Nasser Al Qadi (Daydreamer EC, 75.88 seconds, 4 faults, QR 3,500) and Khalid Mohammed Al Emadi (Fiji, 78.51 seconds, 4 faults, QR 2,450) completed the top five in a field of 9 entries at QEF’s Outdoor Arena.
Earlier in competition five, Jaber Rashid Al Amri yesterday emerged winner with Canavaro De Muze, bagging the top prize of QR 3,750. Canavaro De Muze clocked a time of 54.41 seconds as Rashid smiled with his winning performance.
Nasser Al Ghazali, astride What A Pleasure, finished in second spot in a time of 54.45 seconds. Al Ghazali won QR 3,000 for his efforts. Khalid Hamad Al Attiya in the saddle with Viking D ended in third place. Viking D clocked a time of 54.59 seconds as Al Attiya won QR 2,250.
Abdullah Ali Al Ajeil (Goaliat, 54.93 seconds, QR 1,500) and Sheikh Fatima Jabor Al Thani (Eddie, 57.34 seconds, QR 1,050) completed the top five from a field of 31 riders.
Earlier in the day, Ali Mohammed Al Marri, astride Santa Cruz III, won the Dressage Test - Level 1 competition with a score of 68.276. Al Marri won QR 2,900. Al Marri also secured the second-best place but with Fernhill Friendly Touch (68.103, QR 2,300). Jessica Waldon (Lusso Del Castegno, 67.931, QR 1,800) secured the third spot.
In the Level 2 competition, Mohammed Salem Al Marri emerged winner with Gin Tonic Van De Kranenburg (68.636, QR 1,250) while Mohammed Nasser Al Qadi (Kantje’s Este Fana, 67.727, QR 1,000) and Iris Nijboer (Rose Alsulaimi, 67.273, QR 625) finished second and third respectively out of a field of 15 entries.
Ahmed Al Badawi, the Technical Director of Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) said: “We are pleased with the way the riders have shown great improvement over the last year or so. The riders improving their performances is part of our long-term ambitions. We are in the process of building a solid squad ahead of next year’s Olympic Games.”
He added: “The Hathab Series is a perfect platform for young riders to get acquainted with the finer details of this sport. We are moving ahead with all aims of increasing our rider base in the country. We are confident that we will get positive results.”