Doha, Qatar – The prestigious HH The Father Amir Prix 2026 commenced today at Al Shaqab, attracting international and regional equestrian talent for the first tour of the series. Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, attended the opening day, signaling the importance of this event to the nation. This year’s competition promises thrilling displays of skill and athleticism in show jumping, with a total prize pool of €3,303,000 across all four tours.
The event, organized by the Qatar Equestrian Federation, Al Shaqab, and the Qatar Olympic Committee, features riders competing across CSI1*, CSI2*, and CSI4* categories. Qatar Airways serves as the Official Airline Partner, alongside other key sponsors like United Development Company and Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Group. The competition aims to foster both high-level performance and the development of regional equestrian athletes.
HH The Father Amir Prix 2026: Day One Highlights
The opening day of the show jumping competition saw a strong start with riders performing in both the Indoor and Outdoor Arenas. Classes spanned multiple categories, providing opportunities for athletes of varying skill levels to showcase their abilities. The event’s structure supports the FEI competition framework, encouraging growth within the sport.
Key Results from Day One
Abdullah Alsharbatly of Saudi Arabia claimed victory in the CSI4* 1.45m class aboard Boeckmanns Lord Pezi Junior, completing the course flawlessly in 57.93 seconds. Janne F. Meyer-Zimmermann of Germany won the CSI4* 1.40m competition with My Lady Lavista, demonstrating both speed and accuracy. Several other riders also secured wins across the CSI2* and CSI1* classes, including Emanuele Gaudiano of Italy and Ibrahim Hani Bisharat of Jordan.
Specifically, Gaudiano and Diarouge Blue PS triumphed in the CSI2* 1.40m, while Bisharat and El Nino Bull’s Eye Z shared the win with Yassin Khalifa of Egypt and Camelija in the CSI2* 1.25m. Hasan Alhadi of Saudi Arabia and Youssef Nassar of Egypt also secured victories in the CSI1* classes, highlighting the diverse talent present at Al Shaqab.
Riders expressed satisfaction with the competition and their horses’ performances. Janne F. Meyer-Zimmermann commented on My Lady Lavista’s strong performance, while Emanuele Gaudiano praised Diarouge Blue PS’s focus and responsiveness. Abdullah Alsharbatly also noted a positive start with Boeckmanns Lord Pezi Junior.
Official Opening Ceremony & Fan Experience
An Official Opening Ceremony took place in the evening, featuring artistic performances, a drone and light show, and equestrian-themed activities. The ceremony formally launched Tour 1 and welcomed participants and spectators. The fan zone offers entertainment, cafés, and retail outlets, showcasing Qatari hospitality and cultural heritage. Tickets are available through Road to Qatar, with options for general admission and VIP hospitality packages.
Additionally, the event is attracting significant attention to equestrian sports in the region. The substantial prize money and international participation underscore Qatar’s commitment to developing its equestrian infrastructure and attracting world-class athletes. This event is also expected to boost sports tourism in Doha.
Competition continues tomorrow, January 3rd, with a full schedule of classes across both arenas. Further CSI1*, CSI2*, and CSI4* competitions are planned, promising another day of exciting horse riding action. The ongoing success of the event will depend on maintaining a high level of competition and providing a positive experience for athletes and spectators alike. Observers will be watching for emerging talent and consistent performances from established riders throughout the tour.
