The Peninsula
Marcus Ehning and Stargold are back in business at the Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab presented by Longines.
Returning to Longines Arena a year after their memorable triumph, the pair produced a sensational performance to claim top honours on the opening day of three-day equestrian extravaganza, yesterday.
Competing in CSI 5*1.50m, the former Olympic champion and his 12-year-old bay – the winners of the CHI Al Shaqab Grand Prix last year – amused spectators with a penalty-free performance in 63.52 sec to top the event.
“My horse loves this arena,” said Ehning as he expressed his delight after the win.
“Today he made a very good start and we were able to build on that and go on to win. I’m very pleased. Stargold has a strong personality and I’m so proud of him and his achievements,” the 48-year-old added.
Brazil's Francisco Jose Mesquita Musa, who rode Catch me Marathon, was second after an impressive show in 63.67 sec, while Kevin Staut astride Cheppetta secured third position with a time of 64.24 sec.
Earlier, Ireland's Shane Breen, riding 11-year-old Haya, prevailed in International jumping competition in two phases special (1.45 m) that witnessed tough battle among the competitors.
The pair displayed a perfect performance to zip through the course in 30.84 sec as Frenchman Staut, who was on 10-year-old bay Dialou Blue PS, just fell short completing the task in 31.12 sec. Brazil's Mesquita Musa also pushed hard for a win with 11-year-old Carte de Blue PS Marathon but had to content with third place for his time of 31.60 sec.
Staut was happy on the win after overcoming a tough challenge.
"The competition with Kevin Staut and Francisco Jose was tough. I stayed focused and I am thankful to the horse for a great response,” he said.
"I am always happy to be here because Al Shaqab is one of the best places in the world. Everything is available here and the atmosphere here is very comfortable. I want to thank the organisers for their hospitality," he added.
Qatari riders bag victories
Meanwhile, Qatar’s Bassem Mohammed teamed up with 12-year-old Aslan to produce a stunning show to win the International jumping competition against the clock (1.45 m). The pair clocked an error-free 61.39 sec to bag victory.
“This horse is a new ride for me, so I was pleased to do so well today. He’s a good horse – we really ‘clicked’ and he made my life easy. CHI Al Shaqab is one of my favourite competitions, being at home in Doha. So, to win here means a lot to me,” said Bassem.
Saudi Arabia’s Kamal Abdullah Bahamdan with Kwikly took second position for his time of 63.91 sec, while Qatar’s Faleh Suwead Al Ajami riding Ghana was third fastest with a time of 64.99 sec.
In two-star International jumping competition against the clock (1.30 m) dominated by the Qatari riders, Mohammed Saeed A M Haidan riding 15-year-old Miss Chili stormed to victory with a flawless show in 62.15 sec.
"It feels great to win the first event – to stand on the podium and hear the Qatari national anthem. This mare is a very special horse, now that she has her confidence over the water jumps. That took time and patience in training, but the hard work has paid off. I’m very happy,” said Haidan.
There was a tie for second place between Qatar's Ghanim Nasser Al Qadi (Quick Step) and Saeed Hamad S H Juma (Ambre de Beaufour) after both finished the course in 62.55 sec. The pair of Faleh Suwead Al Ajami and 15-year-old Steyburn followed the duo with a time of 63.73 sec.
The three-day event started with para-dressage events after horse inspection as Lotte Krijnsen, who was riding Rosenstolz N.O.P., won the FEI Para Grand Prix A - Grade III.
Riding Jagger, Fiona Howard claimed the FEI Para Grand Prix A - Grade II triumph while Annemarieke Nobel, astride reigned supreme in FEI Para Grand Prix A - Grade I with 14-year-old Doo Schufro.
The FEI Para Grand Prix A - Grade V saw Camilla Christensen, astride Fursten putting up a fine show to claim victory in the event.
Qatar’s Wejdan ready for action
In addition to the great sporting action yesterday, guests enjoyed a wide range of entertainments, including stilt-walkers, street performers and a supercar exhibition, as well as high-quality food and beverage options from the various restaurants and cafés present.
Today’s action includes FEI Grand Prix – a five-star dressage competition which saw Qatari rider Wejdan Majed Al Malki putting up an impressive show on her debut last year.
The 45-year-old will be back in action against a star-studded field with her 18-year-old purebred bay Spanish stallion Mango Jacaro.
Top showjumping riders will also be seen in action with five-star 1,55m/Jump Off also on the card today.
This year’s CHI Al Shaqab, which is the 10th edition of the popular event, sees over 130 riders and more than 190 horses from 28 countries competing for glory.