Saeed Nasser al-Qadi astride Jessico won the feature event on the opening day of the third leg of Hathab equestrian series yesterday. The national equestrian competition is being held on the sidelines of the Global Champions Tour at the Al Shaqab arena.
Al-Qadi topped the timesheets in the Medium Tour 1.20/1.30m class, as he flew through the hurdles with his 15-year-old gelding Jessico in 21.79 seconds. He took home QR5,000 in prize money.
The second place went to Salmen Sultan A M al-Suwaidi, who guided Cantaro home in 22.56 secs. The last podium slot went to Awad al-Qahtani in Cassander van het Bremhof in 22.98 secs.
In the Small Tour 1.00/1.15m class, Jassim al-Kuwari came first with Va Va Voom in a time of  20.00 secs. He was followed by Mohammed Salem al-Marri (Gin Tonic van de Kranenburg) in second place and Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi (Fudine) in third.
Two competitions each will be held today and tomorrow, as the riders look to up pick points with an eye on the overall title.
Hathab, meaning ‘Canter’ in Arabic, is an initiative launched by Qatar Olympic Committee president HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani. The series is being conducted jointly by Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) and Al Shaqab and will run till the next April over 12 legs..
Organisers aim to improve the standard of horse riding among Qatari youths through Hathab, while also encouraging the involvement of private stables and individual horse owners to increase awareness of horsemanship as part of Qatar’s history and tradition.
 
Hathab Results
Medium Tour: 1.20/1.30m Two Phases: A + A, Both Phases Against the Clock
1. Saeed Nasser al-Qadi (Jessico). Time: 21.79 secs. Prize money: QR5,000
2. Salmen Sultan A M al-Suwaidi (Cantaro). 22.56 secs. QR4,000
3. Awad al-Qahtani (Cassander van het Bremhof) 22.98 secs. QR3,000
Small Tour: 1.00/1.15m Two Phases: A + A, Both Phases Against the Clock
1. Jassim al-Kuwari (Va Va Voom). Time: 20.00 secs, QR2,500.
2. Mohammed Salem al-Marri (Gin Tonic van de Kranenburg) 20.45 secs. QR2,000
3. Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi (Fudine) 20.79 secs. QR1,500