Ramzy Al Duhami astride High Quality J clears an obstacle during the Big Tour.
Saudi Arabia’s Ramzy Al Duhami wrapped up a fine week, winning the Big Tour with a perfect show on the final day of Qatar Equestrian Tour - Longines Hathab Round 12, yesterday.
At Al Shaqab’s Longines Arena, Al Duhami, who won the Medium Tour on Friday, teamed up with 16-year-old High Quality J to grab top honours in the QR45,000 contest.
The pair cleared the first round in 30.47 secs and repeated the perfect performance in the second phase to complete the course in 36.61 secs.
Teaming up with 15-year-old Morocco, Qatar’s Ghanim Nasser Al Qadi also displayed a penalty-free show in the two phases, clocking 31.37 and 38.74 respectively to claim second position.
Faleh Suwead Al Ajami, who clinched the Open Class title earlier in the day, secured third position in the Big Tour. The Qatari rider partnered with 14-year-old Crispo to register error-free times of 30.98 and 41.79 secs in the two phases.
The podium winners of the Open Class after receiving their awards.
French rider Cyrine Cherif, astride I’am Moerhoeve’s Princess Z, was fourth completing the two phases in 31.56 and 42.70 secs, while Qatar’s Hamad Nasser Al Qadi, who rode 14-year-old Sirocco, also had flawless phases in 30.19 and 42.71 secs for fifth position.
Al Duhami, who was delighted on his titles in the round, was impressed with rising equestrian standards in the country.
“The sport has evolved so much in Qatar that I had to be sure of having a good horse. Last time I had put up two horses but that didn’t work. So this time I am really pleased. The level at Hathab has really changed, these young riders can riders excellently well at this super Longines Arena of Al Shaqab, one of the best in the world,” the Saudi rider said.
“An opportunity to ride here is a pleasure for me and a plus for me and my horses as well. I am thankful too everyone here at Qatar Equestrian Federation for hosting me here and I am grateful to them. It’s a pleasure to be among my brothers here in Qatar,” he added.
Qatar Equestrian Federation's Technical Director and former Olympic rider Ali Yousef Al Rumaihi with the podium winners of the Big Tour.
Earlier, Al Ajami, aboard 15-year-old Steyburn, won the Open Class after a brilliant round in 61.08 secs. Mohammed Khalifa Albaker on What A Pleasure clinched second position with a time of 66.31 secs, while Faris Saad Al Qahtani and 11-year-old Hero combined to clock 68.30 secs to seal third position.
Hamad Naser Al Qadi rode eight-year-old Fernet MH to fourth place in the Open Class with a time of 69.75 secs, while Mohammed Nasser Al Qadi and 11-year-old Happy Tina completed the top five with a penalty-free round of 73.16 secs.
With only two rounds left in the 14-leg Qatar Equestrian Tour - Longines Hathab, riders are set for a thrilling finish to the popular series with overall titles in their sights. The penultimate round will start on March 30 as per the schedule on event’s website.
