The Peninsula
Equestrian sport enthusiasts in Qatar are in for a treat as the country’s premier showjumping series, Longines Hathab Equestrian Tour makes its return after a long break tomorrow.
The third season of the annual series which offers QR1m in total prize money, was affected by the global COVID-19 just after the ninth round and the competition was put on hold to prevent the spread of the disease.
The third season of the popular championship began in October 2019 and the Tour was originally scheduled to conclude in April this year.
The remaining three rounds will take place at the Qatar Equestrian Federation Arena, will feature only the showjumping (Individual and Teams) competitions. Dressage and Future Riders competitions will not take place.
The 10th round will kick off tomorrow with Small Tour (100 - 115cm) competition at 4.00pm. The individual and team competitions of the Medium Tour (120 - 130cm) will begin at 6.45pm and will be followed by the prize distribution ceremony.
On Saturday, the second day of the round, Open and Big Tour (130 - 145cm) competitions will take place. The Open Class (115 - 125cm) competition will begin at 4.00pm, followed by the latter at 6.45pm.
Qatari rider Salman Muhammad Al Emadi is currently leading the Big Tour standings with 172 points.
Nasser Al Ghazali (166) is in the second spot, followed by Mohammed Sultan Al Suwaidi (164) among Ghanem Nasser Al Qadi is at the helm of Medium Tour rankings with 178 points, closely followed by Muhammad Khalifa Al Baker (177). Mohammad Hazim Abara (174) in third at the moment.
Small Tour is led by Mohammed Nasser Al Qadi (170). Khalifa Abdulla Al Khaldi (168) is at the second spot, followed by Mohammed Al Ghazali who has accumulated 166 points over the nine rounds so far.
For the health and safety of fans, the remaining three rounds will take place without spectators, but the action will be broadcast live.
Ali bin Youssef Al Rumaihi, the Director of the Tour, in a meeting held with officials ahead of the resumption of the national showjumping series, stressed the need to adhere to safety guidelines imposed by the Ministry of Public Health. He also said all riders and members of the organising team will undergo medical examinations to ensure of everyone.
The 11th round will be held on August 14 and 15, while the season will close with the final round which will take place from August 27 to 29.
Longines, ExxonMobil and Salam International are the official partners of the Tour - which is a brainchild of H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee.
Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour (Round 10 - Programme)
Venue: Qatar Equestrian Federation
Tomorrow
Small Tour
Table A, Special two phases (100-115m) at 16:00
Medium Tour (Individual and Teams)
Table A, One round against the clock (120-130m) at 18:45
Saturday
Open Class
Table A, One round against the clock (115-125m) at 16:00
Big Tour
Table A, One round against the clock with jump off (130-145m) at 18:45