The Fegentri lady riders strike a pose after the completion of the Longines Fegentri World Championship at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday. President of Fegentri Nathalie Belinguier (sixth from left) and Fegentri general secretary Susanna Santesson (seventh from right) are also seen. PICTURE: Juhaim
By Chris Hoover/Doha
Norway’s Dina Heggum and Sweden’s Josephine Chini began their campaign in the Longines World Fegentri Championship on a winning note during HH The Emir 24th International Equestrian Sword Festival, held under the patronage of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.
Heggum rode out Julian Smart saddled Harir to victory in the Pure Arabian Conditions race on Tuesday to win the first race of the championship for the lady riders at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club. Heggum collected 20 points for her winning effort. “It is great to start the championship on a winning note. It was amazing to ride during such a mega weekend and in such surroundings. I am looking forward to returning to Doha whenever I get the opportunity,” Heggum told the Gulf Times.
Chini also emerged victorious on her maiden visit to Doha while steering Mohammed Jassim al-Ghazali schooled Gojeri to an emphatic victory in the Thoroughbred Conditions race, run over six furlongs on Wednesday. After racing in midbunch for most part of the journey, the Swedish amateur champion took the opening along the rails and skipped away from her rivals to win by nearly two lengths.
“It is amazing to come around the world and witness such a wonderful place. To be a part of this championship is fantastic. Being a sprint race, I stayed in the sixth position waiting to make my move. Once I got the gap, Gojeri was too good for the others. I hope to continue to do well in the other races and wish to come to back Qatar again,” Chini said.
