Haidan wins first round of Open Class at Al Shaqab International League

The first leg of the inaugural Al Shaqab International League ended on a spectacular note as Mohamed Saeed Haidan won the Open Class yesterday
The showjumping event – which is organised by Al Shaqab, a member of the Qatar Foundation, – saw a huge turnout from the young and female riders as well as established riders.
The main attraction at the Indoor Arena of Al Shaqab yesterday was the Intro Classes, where many young riders put on a terrific display as they gained valuable experience for tougher competitions ahead. As many as 128 young riders competed in the Intro Classes with Alqaqaa Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Mohamed Faisal al-Marri and Alya Ahmad al-Khater emerging as winners in their respective categories.
In the last event of the day, CSI1* Open Class, Haidan was last to begin his round with nine-year-old bay Obama. But the pair were quickly off the blocks as they registered a flawless round for a winning time of 41.58 seconds.
Hamad Towaim Ali al-Marri finished runner-up for the second consecutive day with Baron Z H in a time of 45.82 secs. Mohamed Jabor al-Naimi took the last podium spot with Bonhomme D Orval in 39.52 secs.
Meanwhile, Khalifa Abdulla al-Khaldi topped the Youth Champions category with his veteran gelding Graffiti De Lully CH.
Faris Saad A H al-Qahtani on nine-year-old gelding Hero was second, with Saad Ahmed al-Saad taking third place with 10-year-old mare Irschi.
The Al Shaqab International League has been launched to provide a platform for the upcoming riders of all ages and backgrounds to hone their skills and graduate to international level. The event has given a strong emphasis on promoting opportunities for female and junior riders.
Results
CSI1*
Open Class
Table A,
Competition over two rounds, Art. 273.4.3b
130 cm
1. Mohamed Saeed Haidan; Horse: Obama; Times: 75.45 & 41.58 secs
2. Hamad Towaim Ali al-Marri; Baron Z H; 77.44 & 45.82 secs.
3. Mohamed Jabor al-Naimi; Bonhomme D Orval; 73.03 & 39.52 secs.
Youth Champions
1. Khalifa Abdulla al-Khaldi; Horse: Graffiti De Lully CH
2. Faris Saad A H al-Qahtani; Hero
3. Saad Ahmed al-Saad; Irschi
Junior Champions (FEI Group 7 Final Qualifier)
1. Ibrahim Yousuf al-Mahmoud; Horse: Numero Uno - T
2. Sultan Salem al-Naemi; Goliat
3. Abdulla Khalid al-Julandani; Jalieny Diamant Z
Future Champions (FEI Group 7 Final Qualifier)
1. Hadi Nasser al-Shahwani; Horse: Beyonce
2. Ahmad Ali al-Jaber; Diamond Legacy
3. Amer Hamad al-Mansoori; Levant Van De Veldhoek
Intro Classes Results
Intro 3
1. Mohamed Faisal al-Marri; Horse: Soul Rebel
2. Jana Sas; Godette
3. Abdulla Saleh al-Obaidly; Pablo Van De Gagel
Intro 2
1. Alqaqaa Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani; Horse: Grietje W.S
2. Ibrahim Khalid al-Mesleh; Astro
3. Ebrahim Khalil al-Ameen; Astro
Intro 1
1. Alya Ahmad al-Khater; Horse: Pedro
2. Kaltham Abdulaziz al-Ebrahim; Pedro
3. Tamim Fahad al-Marri; Peter