Doha, Qatar – The eighth leg of the Longines Hathab – Qatar Equestrian Tour concluded yesterday at Al Shaqab, with Khalifa bin Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani securing the championship in the Amateur class and Nasser Al-Ghazali claiming victory in the Silver round. The event showcased impressive horsemanship and competition among up-and-coming and seasoned riders alike. This leg of the tour continues to build excitement as the championship season progresses.
The Longines Hathab tour, a significant fixture in the Qatar sporting calendar, aims to promote equestrianism at all levels, fostering both local talent and international participation. Yesterday’s competition at Al Shaqab, a world-renowned equestrian facility, provided a platform for riders to demonstrate their skills in jumping. The tournament drew a considerable crowd of spectators eager to witness the thrilling competition.
Khalifa Al-Thani Dominates Amateur Class Competition
Khalifa bin Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani delivered a commanding performance in the Amateur class, completing the course in a swift 54.36 seconds aboard Zion. His victory marks a continued rise in the ranks for the rider, demonstrating dedication to the sport. According to event organizers, the course was designed to challenge riders with technical elements and required both speed and precision.
Mariam Abdulkarim Abdul followed closely behind, achieving a time of 54.89 seconds on Beyonce and earning second place. Hamad Nasser Al-Marri secured the third podium position with a time of 55.15 seconds, riding Jumbo. The top three riders were presented with their awards by Mohammed Saleh Al-Marri, Chairman of Hathab’s Facilities and Logistics Committee.
Silver Round Delivers Tight Finish
The Silver Round proved to be equally competitive, culminating in a narrow victory for Nasser Al-Ghazali. Al-Ghazali’s time of 26.85 seconds on Dexter edged out his competitors. The performance underscored the increasing depth of talent participating in the Silver level competitions.
Mohammed Abdullah Jumaa finished just behind Al-Ghazali, claiming second place with a time of 27.00 seconds on Viahibe. Khalid Al-Hadi rounded out the top three, finishing in 27.65 seconds aboard Doremi. Tournament Director Abdullah Mohammed Al-Marri presented the awards to the Silver Round podium finishers.
The Longines Hathab tour has become a crucial development pathway for Qatari riders, providing them with opportunities to compete against regional and international athletes. The equestrian events feature diverse competition levels, accommodating riders of varying experience. This structure is designed to cultivate a strong base of talent for future international competitions.
Additionally, the tour plays a vital role in promoting Qatar as a leading destination for sporting events. Al Shaqab’s facilities are regularly utilized to host high-profile competitions, attracting visitors and showcasing the country’s commitment to equestrian excellence. The event’s success is linked to the ongoing investment in equestrian infrastructure and athlete development within Qatar.
While the competition was fierce in both the Amateur class and Silver round, the overall atmosphere remained supportive and focused on sportsmanship. This ethos is a hallmark of the Longines Hathab tour, encouraging camaraderie among participants. Further rounds are expected to continue to raise the stakes as riders vie for qualifying points for larger championship events.
The next stage of the Longines Hathab – Qatar Equestrian Tour is yet to be announced, but organizers anticipate further competitions in the coming weeks. The schedule will likely be updated on the official Longines Hathab website. Observers will be watching for continued strong performances from emerging Qatari riders and the overall impact of the tour on the development of the sport within the country.