Jordon’s Ibrahim Bishart rides Kirfa De Kreisker during the Big Tour-CSI 5* class show jumping during CHI Al Shaqab 2013 at Al Shaqab yesterday. RIGHT: Beligum’s Jos Lansink rides Wervel Wind during the Big Tour-CSI 5* class show jumping. Frenchman Roger-Yves Bost won the first place in Big Tour- CSI 5* riding Castle Forbes Cosma and in Medium Tour- CSI 3* riding Nikyta D’Elle. In the Small Tour- CSI 3* class of show jumping, Qatar’s Khalid Al Emadi took the first place riding Michael Jackson. pictures by: shaival dalal
Doha: The inaugural edition of the CHI Al Shaqab 2013 was officially launched here yesterday
In the presence of Al Shaqab Vice Chairperson H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, and under the flags of 23 participating countries raised over the state-of-the-art Al Shaqab arena, 31 riders and their horses cantered onto the arena floor to mark the beginning of the CHI Al Shaqab 2013 with a show jumping tour.
Jumping over obstacles set in place by the Argentinian Leopoldo Palacios who designed the Doha-inspired course, the riders completed the Small Tour CSI3*, a two-phase competition, over a 1.30m track.
Alia Humaid Bin Drai, a female rider from the United Arab Emirates, ranked third at the end of the first Small Tour-CSI3* class commented on the course: “The Al Shaqab facilities are incredible, easily one of the best in the world. I am absolutely delighted to be competing here in Doha.”
Cyrine Cherif, a French competitor, was also full of praise: “I think the course was fantastic. It was a real CSI 3* course, and there were some technical aspects. Overall, it was a great track to ride, a wonderful way to gain experience and good for the horses.”
Omar Al Mannai, CHI Al Shaqab Event Director said: “I am delighted that we can finally present to the world the CHI Al Shaqab . We have a busy schedule over the next four days, encompassing three disciplines – show jumping, dressage and endurance. I am confident that every rider here will agree that this is one of the most beautiful equestrian venues in the world.”
He added, “The event is also the perfect opportunity to demonstrate Qatar’s rich heritage in equine culture and sport.”
The small tour followed the first qualifier for the Medium Grand Prix – a 1.40m class against the clock – which will see 62 riders vying for a place in tomorrow’s Medium Tour Grand Prix.
Roger – Yves Bost from France, who won the afternoon’s class, earned his second victory in the Big Tour-CSI 5* competition on his horse Castle Forbes Cosma.
Following his success, Roger explained his excitement over his triumph, stating: “She’s a quick horse and it was funny how she wouldn’t stop dancing at the end. You can go faster with her and I know that I can push her. The competition was great for me today and I am excited for the coming days.”
Luciana Diniz from Portugal took second place on her impressive stallion Lennox.
“My goal today was to be in the top three with my horse and this approach worked in my favour. It’s going to be our fourth year together this year and we really understand each other. I also must say that the place here is unbelievable and it is such a pleasure to ride here. Everything is perfect and it has been a fantastic experience thus far.”
Today will see another full day of action from the show jumping arena. The cream of world show jumping will take centre stage today at 6.00pm with 35 of the very best riders coming forward for the CSI 5* Big Tour against the clock.
Among the starters will be the reigning Olympic individual gold and silver medallists Steve Guerdat (Sweden) and Gerco Schroder (Netherlands), plus the winner of the 2012 Global Champions Tour, Edwina Tops-Alexander (Australia).
The action begins at 10:am with another CSI 3* Small Tour class, at 1.30m against the clock. Following this, at 2:00pm, riders will have a second opportunity to qualify for the CSI 3* Medium Tour Grand Prix, which will be held tomorrow. This competition will count towards the FEI Jumping Rankings, as will the final class of the day, the CSI 5* Big Tour, starting at 6:00pm.
The many visitors attending this first day of competition gathered to cheer on riders throughout the day, flocking to the 17,000 square metre spectator plaza. .The Peninsula
