Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano and his eight-year-old Stallion Chalou combined to score a stunning win in the feature class of the HH The Emir’s Sword International Showjumping championship yesterday.
In the CSI5* class, the 155c m Against the clock with jump off, Gaudiano and Chalou set off at a phenomenal pace, galloping to the fences to jump clear in 41.08 seconds at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s (QEF) outdoor arena.
Switzerland’s Janika Sprunger came close to bettering the time in her 12-year-old Stallion Aris CMS, but the pair fell short by mere 0.11 seconds. Sprunger, who finished sixth at last year’s Rio Olympics, finished in 41.19 seconds for prize money of €12,360. Gaudiano’s efforts fetched him €15,450 and sets up him nicely for the today’s CSI5* Grand Prix, which carries a total pursue of €153,700. Turkey’s Derin Demirsoy took third place with Harry K, coming home in 42.93 secs for a prize of €9,270.
Meanwhile, Abdelkebir Ouaddar continued his love affair with the event. The Moroccan had won last year in Doha and yesterday he once again emerged triumphant.  In the CSI5* 145 cm class, Ouaddar partnering his 15-year-old Stallion Cordano Sitte Z jumped clear in 62.27 seconds, to take a narrow win and €6,150 in prize money.
Ouddar’s winning time was just .65 seconds better than second-placed Abdullah Mohd al-Marri of UAE. Al-Marri and Ams Catch Me were impressive in their run, stopping the clock in 62.92 seconds, but had to settle for runner-up spot. The third place went to Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano, who along with Caspar 232 timed 65.46 seconds.
Bander Binmahfouz of Saudi Arabia had a good day at office as he won in one event and finished third in other in the CSI2* class.  In the day’s opening event, Binmahfouz claimed the top prize in the 120 cm class with 16-year-old Bay Urette. The pair put in a strong performance and cleared their hurdles in 46.31 seconds.  Qatar’s Jaber Rashid al-Amri (Canavaro De Muze E.T.) and Mohammed Khalid al-Qashouti (Alegro 84) finished second and third respectively. In the 130 cm class, Qatar’s Salman Mohammed al-Emadi and Zorro Z came out on top in a time of 26.13 seconds. Abdullah Alghamdi of Saudi Arabia was second in Dageraad, while Binmahfouz (Saratoga Spring) rounded-up the podium.

Results
CSI5*, Table A, Against the clock with jump off FEI Art. 238.2.2, 155
1. Emanuele Gaudiano (Italy) Chalou. Time: 41.08 seconds. Prize money: €15,450
2. Janika Sprunger (Switzerland) Aris CMS. 41.19 secs. €12,360
3. Derin Demirsoy (Turkey) Harry K. 42.93 secs. €9,270

CSI5*, Speed & Handiness FEI Art. 263 – Table C 239, 145 cm - Prize money: €24,600
1. Abdelkebir Ouaddar (Morocco) Cordano Sitte Z. Time: 62.27 secs. €6,150
2. Abdullah Mohd al-Marri (UAE) Ams Catch Me. 62.92 secs. €4,920
3. Emanuele Gaudiano (Italy) Caspar 232. 65.46 secs. €3,690

CSI2*, Two phases, Art. 274.5.3, 130 cm - Prize money: €11,000
1. Salman Mohammed al-Emadi (Qatar) Zorro Z. Time: 26.13 secs. €2,750
2. Abdullah Alghamdi (Saudi Arabia) Dageraad. 26.27 secs. €2,200
3. Bander Binmahfouz. (Saudi Arabia) Saratoga Spring. 27.00 secs. €1,650

CSI2*, Accumulator with joker, Art. 269.5, 120 cm - Prize money: €10,000
1. Bander Binmahfouz (Saudi Arabia) Urette. Time: 46.31secs. €2,500
2. Jaber Rashid al-Amri (Qatar) Canavaro De Muze (E.T.) 46.50 secs. €2,000
3. Mohammed Khalid al-Qashouti (Qatar) Alegro 84. 47.35 secs. €1,500

Today’s schedule
10 am: CSI2* Table A, Against the clock FEI Art. 238.2.1 | Max. 135 cm | 1 Horse per athlete | 350 m/min | €12,000
12:30 am: CSI5* Table A, Against the clock FEI Art. 238.2.1 | Max. 155 cm | 1 Horse per athlete | 350 m/min | €91,900 | LR (Group B)
2 pm: CSI5* GRAND PRIX | Two Rounds with Jump Off FEI Art. 273.3.4.1 & 273.4.4 + 273.2.2 + Annex VIII art.6 | Max. 160 cm | 1 Horse per athlete | 375 m/min | €153,700 | LR (Group A)
4 pm: National Future Riders Competition
6 pm: GRAND PRIX - Table A against the clock with Jump Off. FEI Art. 238.2.2 | Max. 145 cm | 1 Horse per athlete | 375 m/min | €24,600 | LR