Doha, Qatar – Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Alsharbatly dominated the CSI5* 1.50m Faults & Time competition at the inaugural H H The Father Amir’s Prix at Al Shaqab yesterday, marking a strong start for international riders in the prestigious equestrian event. The competition, which drew top show jumping athletes from around the globe, showcased impressive skill and horsemanship. Qatar is hosting the event as part of its ongoing commitment to promoting show jumping and equestrian sports within the region.
Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qatar Fund for Development, presented the trophy to Salman Mohammed Al Emadi, recognizing the achievements of the Qatari riders throughout the day. The event continues today with further competitions, including the highly anticipated CSI5* 1.55m Jump-Off.
Alsharbatly Secures Victory in CSI5* 1.50m Competition
Riding the 17-year-old stallion Boeckmanns Lord Pezi Junior, Alsharbatly completed the course in an impressive 64.45 seconds. This performance edged out Italy’s Roberto Previtali, who finished second with I’M Special Mess PS in 66.99 seconds. Austria’s Max Kuhner rounded out the podium, securing third place aboard Eic Cooley Jump The Q with a time of 67.46 seconds.
Alsharbatly expressed his satisfaction with the win, noting the difficulty of the track. He stated that a well-executed plan was key to his success, allowing him to overcome the strong competition from Previtali. The course design presented a significant challenge to all competitors, demanding precision and speed.
Qatari Riders Excel in Lower-Level Classes
While Alsharbatly claimed the top spot in the CSI5* event, Qatari riders demonstrated their talent in several other competitions throughout the day. Rashid Towaim Ali Al Marri secured victory in the CSI5* 1.40m Two Phases, riding Navaronne to a winning time of 26.04 seconds.
Salman Mohammed Al Emadi and Mohammed Khalifa A Al Baker followed closely behind, finishing second and third respectively. Additionally, Nasser Al Ghazali and Faleh Suwead Al Ajami achieved a one-two finish in the CSI3* 1.35m Special Two-Phase, further highlighting the strength of Qatar’s equestrian program. This success builds on Qatar’s growing reputation as a hub for equestrianism.
Italian rider Emanuele Gaudiano won the CSI3* 1.40m Two Phases aboard Diarouge Blue PS, while Mohammed Alasaker of Saudi Arabia took the CSI3* 1.25m Faults & Time title. Abdulla Ahmed A M Al Khulaifi also secured a win for Qatar in the CSI1* 1.10m Faults & Time event.
The event also featured competitions in the CSI1* category, with Saudi riders Salem Balharith, Khalid Al Hadi, and Abdullah Abdul Aziz Al Alsheik claiming the top three positions in the 1.20m Faults & Time. The National Competition was won by Alqaqaa Tamim Al Thani, demonstrating the breadth of talent participating in the H H The Father Amir’s Prix. The competition is also serving as a valuable opportunity for developing riders to gain experience against international competition, fostering the growth of horse riding skills.
The H H The Father Amir’s Prix is expected to continue attracting significant attention from the international equestrian community. The event’s success underscores Qatar’s commitment to hosting world-class sporting events and promoting the development of equestrian sports. Organizers will be closely monitoring rider feedback to refine the course design and overall competition experience for future events.
The second day of the three-day Tour continues today with nine competitions, culminating in the CSI5* 1.55m Jump-Off. The results of this event will be closely watched as riders vie for valuable ranking points and prize money. The final day’s competitions are scheduled for tomorrow, and the overall champions will be crowned, marking the conclusion of this inaugural event.
