The Peninsula
Prominent Qatari rider Faleh Suwead Al Ajami yesterday guided Demilion in a flawless routine to capture major honours on the final day of the 8th round of Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour.
At the Qatar Equestrian Federation's outdoor Arena, Al Ajami and his 12-year-old stallion completed the winning round of the Big Tour competition in 48.98 seconds to bag QR11,250 in prize money after finishing on top of a 17-entry field.
He then went on to book his second podium spot in the same event, this time with Ulano, as the 19-year-old bay gelding finished with the third-fastest time in the event.
Ulano completed the task in 55.07 secs with no errors as Al Ajami added further QR6,750 to his account.
Quel Homme, with Nasser Al Ghazali in the saddle, finished second with a time of 50.39 secs.
Al Ghazali, ranked first in the Big Tour overall standings, won QR9,000 along with his silver trophy.
Following yesterday's round, Al Ghazali extended his lead at the top to 21 points to 188. On the other hand, Al Ajami, placed third in the overall tally, closed the gap between him and second-placed Hamad Nasser Al Qadi, to three points with yesterday's win.
Mohammed Saeed Haidan was the fastest among the top five riders, but he was placed fourth after making four errors during his routine. Haidan's stallion D-Saucedo, completed the routine in 48.47 secs as the Qatari won QR4,500 in prize money.
Last season's Tour winner Al Qadi rounded up the top five in yesterday's feature event with a time of 49.25 (4 faults) astride S I E C Lonnie. He got richer by QR3,150.
Earlier, Happy Tina, with Ghanim Nasser Al Qadi in the saddle, topped a 27-strong field to seal QR6,250 in prize money for his win in the Open Class competition.
Happy Tina, an eight-year-old mare, completed the ‘Mini Derby’ round in 120.41 seconds. Jassim Al Jaham Al Kuwari and Sandro Girl spent a time of 123.18 seconds to complete the same task. The Qatari rider finished second and got richer by QR5,000. Apple Bee, who completed the round in 131.46 seconds with Mohammed Saeed Haidan in the saddle, booked the remaining spot on the podium and won a prize cheque for QR3,750.
Al Ajami won both fourth and fifth spots with Corrandos and Jumbo respectively as the top five ranks finished without any errors during their rounds.
Ali bin Yusef Al Rumaihi, Director of the Championship, and Khaled Al Khubaizy, the guest of honour, handed over the trophies to the winning riders.