Doha, Qatar – Khalid Al-Hadi dominated the Bronze Tour at the Longines Hathab – Qatar Equestrian Tour’s seventh round over the weekend, securing all three podium positions at the Longines Arena in Al Shaqab. The event, which concluded Saturday night, showcased a range of talent across multiple classes, culminating in a thrilling Diamond Tour victory for Faris Saad Al-Qahtani. Competitors are using these events as preparation for upcoming international championships.
The Longines Hathab tour, a key fixture in the Qatari equestrian calendar, continues to build momentum as riders prepare for larger international competitions. This latest round saw strong performances from both established and emerging riders, highlighting the growing depth of equestrian talent within Qatar. The event drew significant attendance and participation, underscoring its importance to the local sporting community.
Khalid Al-Hadi’s Unprecedented Bronze Tour Triumph
The most remarkable result of the evening came in the 120 cm Bronze Tour, where Khalid Al-Hadi achieved a clean sweep of the top three places. He completed the course with times of 54.79, 56.07, and 57.89 seconds, leaving no room for other competitors. This unprecedented feat demonstrates Al-Hadi’s skill and consistency in the show jumping discipline.
Meanwhile, the Future Riders class, designed to nurture young talent, saw Mohammed Al Sulaiti claim gold with a time of 28.13 seconds aboard Mazzeltof. Salman Faisal Al Marri followed closely in second, with Khalifa bin Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani rounding out the podium in third. The awards for this class were presented by Qatar’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, H E Mirdif Ali Mirdif Al Qashouti.
Diamond Tour and Team Competition Results
The Diamond Tour, the evening’s feature event at 150 cm, delivered its own excitement with Faris Saad Al-Qahtani taking the top prize. His speedy 45-second round on Com du Rouet Z proved unbeatable. Khalid Mohammed Al-Emadi secured silver with a time of 45.96 seconds, riding Thor Ter Wilgen Z, and Hamad Nasser Al-Qadi claimed bronze in 47.46 seconds on Edison Z.
In the team event, The Dome finished first with a time of 110.76 seconds. Ajwad and Shahalil Al Shaqab followed in second and third place, respectively. These team results demonstrate the collaborative spirit and strategic planning within Qatar’s equestrian community.
Tournament director Abdullah Al-Marri expressed satisfaction with the increasing participation levels, stating that it indicates riders’ preparation for international championships later in December. He further emphasized the dedication to delivering a “exceptional edition” that reflects Qatar’s commitment to equestrian sports. The increased competition is expected to raise the overall standard of equestrianism in the region.
The event also served as a valuable platform for developing horse riding skills among Qatari athletes. The Longines Hathab tour provides opportunities for riders of all levels to compete and gain experience, contributing to the growth of the sport within the country. Saeed Hamad Al-Rashidi, Deputy Director of the Tournament, presented awards to the team event winners.
Looking ahead, the focus will shift to the upcoming international championships in December. The performance of riders at the Longines Hathab tour will likely influence team selections and individual strategies. Observers will be watching to see if the momentum generated by this event translates into success on the global stage, and whether Khalid Al-Hadi can continue his impressive form in future competitions.
