Germany’s Christopher Klasener achieved a significant victory in equestrian sport, winning the CSI5* 155cm Jump-Off at the HH The Father Amir’s Prix in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday. Klasener, riding Popeye vd Bisschop, bested a strong international field, including world number two Scott Brash, in a thrilling competition that showcased top-level show jumping. The event, held at Al Shaqab, featured over €3.3 million in prize money across nine classes.
The win marks a career highlight for the 32-year-old German rider, who previously secured a third-place finish in a five-star Grand Prix at the same venue in December. Klasener’s clear round in the jump-off, completed in 35.92 seconds, proved too fast for his competitors. This prestigious event continues to draw elite equestrian athletes from around the globe.
Klasener Triumphs in Highly Competitive Show Jumping
The CSI5* 155cm Jump-Off was the centerpiece of the third round of the HH The Father Amir’s Prix, a competition renowned for its challenging courses and substantial prize pool. Klasener’s victory came as a surprise to some, given Popeye vd Bisschop’s relative inexperience at the five-star level, as noted by the rider himself. Scott Brash, riding Hello Chadora Lady, finished a close second with a time of 36.53 seconds, demonstrating the high caliber of competition.
Switzerland’s Nadja Peter Steiner rounded out the podium, securing third place with Clearround il Mondo in 38.46 seconds. The competition attracted a diverse range of riders, highlighting the international appeal of the event and Qatar’s growing prominence as a host for world-class equestrian competitions. Several other riders also delivered strong performances throughout the day.
Additional Results from Tuesday’s Competition
Beyond the CSI5* Jump-Off, several other classes were held at Al Shaqab. Britain’s Millie Allen claimed victory in the CSI5* Faults and Time 145cm aboard Quick Diamant HR, finishing in 60.92 seconds. Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano secured a win in the CSI3* Faults and Time 145cm riding Nikolaj de Music, with a clear round in 60.32 seconds.
Qatar’s riders also enjoyed success on home turf. Suhaim Hamad Al Yafei won the CSI3* Special Two-Phase 130cm, while Faleh Suwead Al Ajami topped the CSI3* Faults and Time 140cm. These victories underscore the development of equestrian talent within Qatar. The event also featured success for Egyptian riders in the CSI1* category, demonstrating the breadth of international participation.
The youth division also saw strong performances, with Qatar’s Nasser Hamad Al Maadheed winning the CSIJ-B Special Two-Phase 115cm. Abdulla Ahmad A L Al Musafri secured a victory in the CSI1* Special Two-Phase 115cm for Qatar, further solidifying the nation’s presence in the competition. These results suggest a promising future for Qatari show jumping.
The HH The Father Amir’s Prix is a key event on the international show jumping calendar, attracting riders vying for valuable ranking points and prize money. Al Shaqab, a member of the Qatar Foundation, has invested heavily in equestrian facilities and events, establishing itself as a leading center for the sport. The event also serves as a platform to promote Qatar as a tourist destination.
Today’s schedule features Grand Prix competitions across three categories, including the highly anticipated CSI5* Grand Prix at 160cm and the CSI3* Grand Prix at 150cm. The CSI1* Grand Prix at 130cm will also be held. The outcomes of these Grand Prix events will likely have implications for rider rankings and qualification for future championships. The focus will be on observing how the top contenders perform under pressure in these culminating competitions.
