Doha: Saif Ahmed Al Mazroui from the United Arab Emirates took home the first place in the Endurance CEI 2* at CHI Al Shaqab.
At the Endurance Village in Mesaieed here yesterday Saif rode Aldjani Safinat to victory followed by the Italian Marco Sardo riding Ningadoo Kamikaze.
The 120km race through the desert tested the stamina of both the horse and the rider.
Yesterday was the final stage of CHI Al Shaqab which got underway on Wednesday.
Following the Endurance race, the Small Tour-CSI 3* kicked off the rest of the day’s activities at Al Shaqab, where forty-four riders were out to prove who was the top competitor of the day.
A two-round competition with the best riders in the world competing, it proved to be a testing competition. Jur Vrieling of the Netherlands took first place, followed by Laura Renwick of Great Britain.
Vrieling riding Sissi Van Schuttershof said on his win: “Unbelievable, we had wings – particularly at the last fence!”
Renwick riding Parvati de Breve, who led until the very last competitor went, said: “She did everything I asked, someone just went faster”.
The Dressage CDI 4*- Al Shaqab Grand Prix was a fitting climax to Friday, with fourteen competitors coming before the five judges. It was a tense competition with Natalie Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein of Denmark riding Digby taking the title (75.43%), closely followed by Patick Kittel of Switzerland on Toy Story (71.83%).
“Digby had a good winter break but he does hate the cold so it was a great opportunity to bring him here to enjoy the sun and warmth. He made the journey well, is happy, and I was very satisfied with his performance. The arena is amazing and gives you a very cosy feeling so let’s hope all continues well for the Individual Grand Prix Freestyle on Saturday,” Natalie said here yesterday.The Peninsula
