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Olympic rider wins Grand Prix event of international championship at QEF arena
Vinay Nayudu
Doha
Qatar's Olympic rider and pride in showjumping, Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al Thani and his favourite mount First Devision once again did themselves proud on Saturday as the duo clinched the Grand Prix event of the Qatar International Showjumping Championship with an impressive finish at the Qatar Equestrian Federation's brightly lit open arena in Al Rayyan.
Sheikh Ali and other winners were honoured by HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al Thani, President, Qatar Olympic Committee.
Sheikh Ali and First Devision were a perfect combine as they scaled obstacles with aplomb and superb speed to beat a field of final four riders ((from the total 13) in the second and final round of the World Cup qualifying Two Rounds FEI Art. 273.3.3.1 & 273.4.3 (140-160cm) class.
Last to go into the ring, Sheikh Ali had to beat a clear round time of 63.09secs and he and his horse had both the occasion and the place this being their home turf they just charged with authority and finish in just 55.77secs. A delighted Sheikh Ali threw up in arms knowing well that he had clinched the title.
"Last year too I had won this championship. I'm very happy," he exclaimed from his saddle.
"My horse did amazingly well. He's a Superstar. I been winning with him for a while now, including being sixth at the Olympics. Though this was too easy for him but to win is always special.
"I'm glad to win and make people happy in my country which is the number one goal for me," added the 35-year-old.
Sheikh Ali was also glad with the good start to the qualification stages for the FEI World Cup to be held in Paris next year."We have two legs of World Cup qualification in Doha and to win the first one is good and go into the next week's competition," he said.
The super show overshadowed another Olympian Edwina Tops-Alexander's challenging effort. The Australian had to be content with the second place, but she wasn't complaining."I'm very happy. I've been riding with him (INCA Boy Van T Vianahof) for the fourth tour now and this was my first Grand Prix with him and I couldn't be more happier. I'm also happy that Sheikh Ali won. He deserved it," said a smiling Edwina.
Ali al Khorafi on Cheril, riding under the FEI flag, was third in 53.57secs but carried four faults.
Earlier another Qatari, Bassem Hassen Mohammed continued with his fine form winning the Art. 276.2.1, 2.3 (145cm) class on his bay gelding The Toymaker.
Bassem's fluent show in 54.75secs too pipped Edwina Tops-Alexander (57.37secs) to the second spot.
The 30-year-old, who just recently had won the Grand Prix event of the Longines Global Champions Tour, commenting on his win said,"It's really a nice feeling. The horse just came back and we made a plan and it worked. Today was his day.
"I feel confident. This event may not be as big as LGCT but it's an important one for us. It's a good class, there are fast riders too and some good horses. In each class you have to respect the riders and horses.
"I am so happy how he jumped today. I am looking forward to the next events. Last week's win at Global Champions Tour was the biggest win of my career. To win especially here in Doha, I am so happy. I am motivated for the coming shows. I just need to stay focus and follow the plan from trainers. When you also have support and sponsors like HH Father Emir, The Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani and HE Sheikh Joaan, then everything is possible."
On his road ahead, Bassem added,"I am in the second place in the Arab rankings to qualify for the World Cup. I need to finish in the top three in total. I will only do two shows here in Doha and will skip the rest. Then wait and see what will happen."
Results
Grand Prix - World Cup Competition Two Rounds Class 9: FEI Art. 273.3.3.1 & 273.4.3
+ 273.2.2 (140-160cm)
1. Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al Thani, Qatar (First Devision); Faults 0; Time: 55.77secs; Prize:€22,975.00
2. Edwina Tops-Alexander, Australia (INCA Boy Van T Vianahof); 0; 63.09secs’; €18,380.00
3. Ali al Khorafi, FEI Flag (Cheril); 4; 53.5secs; €13,785
4. Derin Demirsoy, Turkey (Harry K); 12; 51.23secs; €9,190.00
Class 8: Table A, One Round + Winning Round Art. 276.2.1, 2.3 (145cm)
1. Bassem Mohammed, Qatar (The Toymaker); 0; 54.75secs; €6,150
2. Edwina Tops-Alexander, Australia (Veronese Teamjoy); 0; 57.37secs; €4,920
3. Athina Onassis, Greece (Vannan); 2; 77.06secs; €3,690
Class 7: Table A, Against the Clock Art. 238.2.1 (130-135cm)
1. Saeed Nasser al Qadi, Qatar (DayDreamer EC); 0; 66.36secs; €1,750
2. Cyrine Cherif, France (Gerlin VD Waterkant); 0; 73.05secs; €1,400
3. Yara al Hunaidi, FEI Flag (Dinky Toy Van de Castershoeve); 0; 79.32secs; €1,050
National Competition: Future Class (75cm)
1. Kanz Azzam Abdulla Saleh (Wendefi VD Rashoev); 45.48secs; 2. Sheikh Khalid bin Ali al Thani (SITA) 42.81secs; 3. Abdulrahman Eisa al Bukhari (Funny Thing) 42.56secs.
