The ninth round of the Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour concluded yesterday at Al Shaqab, showcasing impressive performances across all competition levels. Qatari riders dominated the podium, securing victories in the Gold, Open, and Future Riders categories. The event, held on December 13, 2023, continues to be a key fixture in the regional equestrian calendar, fostering talent and promoting the sport within Qatar.
Faleh Suwaid Al-Ajami and Khalid Al-Hadi took the top two spots in the Gold Tour (140cm), while Abdulla bin Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani achieved a double win in the Open Tour, claiming both the main and junior sections. Norah bint Jassim Al Thani secured victory in the Future Riders Tour (70cm), demonstrating the growing depth of equestrian skill in the country. The competition drew significant attendance and highlighted the ongoing investment in equestrian sports in Qatar.
Qatar Equestrian Tour: Gold Tour Results and Team Standings
The Gold Tour, the most challenging category of the Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour, saw a closely contested jump-off. Faleh Suwaid Al-Ajami ultimately prevailed, demonstrating precision and speed over the 140cm course. Khalid Al-Hadi followed closely behind, securing second place and further solidifying the strength of Qatari show jumping.
Team Competition
Beyond individual accolades, the team competition added another layer of excitement. Team Wathnan emerged victorious in the team standings, showcasing consistent performance from its riders. Team Lekhwiya finished a strong second, while Team Al Shaqab rounded out the podium in third place, according to event organizers.
Open Tour Demonstrates Rising Talent
The Open Tour (110cm) provided a platform for emerging riders to showcase their abilities. Abdulla bin Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s success in both the main and junior categories underscored his potential and dedication to the sport. Mohammed Al Dal’an and Khalid Al Hadi joined him on the main podium, while Ali Omar Al Ansari and Abdulaziz bin Jassim Al Thani secured second and third in the junior competition.
This level of competition is crucial for developing the next generation of Qatari equestrian athletes. The Open Tour serves as a stepping stone for riders aiming to progress to the higher levels of the show jumping discipline. The event also provides valuable experience in navigating complex courses and maintaining composure under pressure.
Meanwhile, the Future Riders Tour (70cm) highlighted the burgeoning talent at the grassroots level. Norah bint Jassim Al Thani’s win was particularly noteworthy, demonstrating the increasing participation of female riders in horse riding. Nasser bin Hamad Al Thani’s impressive performance, securing both second and third positions, further emphasized the depth of talent within this category.
The Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour is supported by a number of sponsors, including Longines, and aims to promote equestrianism throughout the region. The tour’s structure, with its tiered competition levels, allows riders of all abilities to participate and develop their skills. Additionally, the event contributes to Qatar’s broader sports tourism strategy.
The tour’s success is also linked to Qatar’s significant investment in equestrian infrastructure, including world-class facilities like Al Shaqab. This commitment to providing top-tier resources has attracted international competitors and helped elevate the standard of equestrian sport in the country. The development of equestrian skills is a key focus for Qatar’s sports programs.
The tenth and final round of the Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour is scheduled for later this month. Organizers have not yet announced specific dates or details regarding the final event. The overall standings and final champions will be determined following the conclusion of the tenth round, and the results will likely influence rider selections for upcoming international competitions.
