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Vinay Nayudu
Doha
Trust the best to rise to the occasion. Faleh Suwead al Ajami did so and superbly on Saturday as he rode with confidence and aplomb to emerge victorious in the grand Big Tour final of HH The Amir’s Sword Championship 2019 at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s outdoor arena on Saturday.
The 33-year-old Ajami excelled with his Germany-born 18-year-old grey gelding Carport to beat some challenging contenders in Awad al Qahtani, Salmeen Sultan al Suwaidi and Mubarak Yousuf al Rumaihi in the Table A, One round against the clock FEI Art. 238.2.1, Height 140/150cm class.
Such was Ajami’s riding that he was the only one to produce a faultless routine in 78.41 secs. Given his earlier showing on the first two days, the performance was perfect for him to claim HH The Amir’s Golden Sword besides the top prize of QR14,000 and a car.
A delighted Ajami said, “I am honoured to receive the Golden Sword from the Amir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. This is the biggest triumph of my career as I have never won such a prestigious title earlier. I hope to put in hard work and continue to improve my performances in future competitions also.”
Following the biggest win of his career, Ajami has now set his eyes on representing Qatar at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. “My aim is to qualify for the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020. But first I have to do well in the qualification competition,” he said.
“I want to thank the Qatar Equestrian Federation for doing a great job in hosting this event. Everything is done professionally by the QEF.
“I would also like to thank the QEF President Hamad Abdulrahman al Attiyah, Secretary-General Darwish Badr and Tournament Director Ali Al Rumaihi for their guidance over the last few years. The QEF continues to back young riders which helps them in improving their performances,” he added.
Awad al Qahtani, who has had some very good results this year including on the first two days of this championship, was pushed to the second place in the finale following two faults by him and his horse Cassander Van Het Bremhof.
Salmeen Sultan al Suwaidi on Cantaro 32 also stuttered committing four faults which saw him settle for the third place.
Mubarak Yousuf al Rumaihi also couldn’t push his trusted mount Vivaldi K much as the horse just seemed to freeze for once when it mattered resulting in faults aplenty. He finished fifth behind Khalid Mohammed al Emadi on Fiji, who ended fourth.
In the Medium Tour, French women rider Cyrine Cherif excelled with her good form on Gerlin VD Waterkant returning a flawless routine in 76.90secs to emerge as the winner.
The second place was grabbed by Mohammed Saeed Haidan riding Quick Step. He clocked a faultless 75.86secs.
Jaber Rashid al Amri on Canavaro De Muze (ET) was third with a flawless 72.12 secs round.
The Small Tour was won by Mohammed al Ghazali on Maradonna 25. His flawless ride took 64.16secs.
Ali Mohammed al Marri riding Fernhill Friendly Touch needed 61.57secs and finished second while Hussain Saeed Haidan on Belucci Van ‘T Vleminkhof was third in 63.09secs.
The dressage events were won by Saeed Hamad al Rashdi and Martina Stiel.
QEF President Hamad bin Abdulrahman al Attiyah, also Chairman of the Organising Committee, thanked the Qatar National Bank (QNB) Group for their continuous support.
Hamad al Attiyah said that the last day of HH the Amir’s Sword Championship 2019 produced great competition.
“This success will continue and develop further next year,” he said.
He also thanked all the committees which worked towards making the championship a huge success.
He also appreciated the cohesion between QEF and Al Shaqab for all equestrian activities under the guidance care of the country’s wise leadership.
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24/02/2019
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