Mohamed Saeed Haidan scored a grand double in the Big Tour and Open Class while young Ibrahim Khaled al-Kuwari took the Amateur Riders’ class top honours as the fifth round of Qatar Equestrian Tour – Longines Hathab concluded at the outdoor arena of Qatar Equestrian Federation yesterday.
Haidan, who has been revelling with fine form of late, stood out in the 150cm class in the Big Tour riding bay gelding Dejavu. He returned a faultless 45.22secs to take the top podium spot ahead of Khalid Mohamed El Emadi (39.57secs; 4 faults) astride Little Lord Pezi 2. The third podium place was claimed by Rashid Towain al-Marri on Incredible W (43.07secs; 4 faults).
Haidan also topped the 125cm Open Class riding Miss Chili in a best faultless time of 53.30secs. Mohamed Dhafi al-Marri on Destiny 297 was second (53.89secs) and Ali Saeed al-Misned astride Sealine was a close third (53.91secs). Abdullah al-Qashouti, Media Director, Longines Hathab, honoured the top three finishers in the round.
Earlier in the Amateur Riders’ category (Table A, Special two phases, Art. 274.2.5
100cm), Ibrahim Khalid al-Kuwari gave a good impression riding Just In Time to victory faultlessly in 24.43 & 22.94secs.
The second podium spot was claimed by Hadi Nasser al-Shahwani on Beyonce (25.54 & 23.26secs) while Saoud Ahmed al-Boinin astride Diademe De B’Neville finished third (24.32 & 24.14secs).
Faisal al-Kahla, Deputy Director, Longines Hathab, awarded winners of the Amateur class.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Ahmed bin Nooh al-Thani, Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee of the Longines Hathab, praised the success of the first five rounds of competitions of the 7th edition of the dressage and showjumping Tour - organised jointly by the Qatar Equestrian and Modern Pentathlon Federation and Al Shaqab.
He said the organisers are keen to raise the level of competition and encourage the efforts of riders by expanding the scope of competitions in both showjumping and dressage. “This year, two new categories of future riders have been added to the regular schedule as permanent competitions in all rounds. The amateur category has been introduced in showjumping, bringing the total number of events to seven permanent levels in all rounds.
“The organising committee also continues its support for dressage with two previously approved categories,” he said.
“We look forward with all confidence to enthusiastic and exciting competitions in the championship, and we hope that these steps will motivate every rider, male and female, to do their best and provide the best in international championships,” he added.
Sheikh Ahmed also expressed his thanks and appreciation to entities supporting and sponsoring the championship, such as The Sport and Social Activities Support Fund, Longines, ExxonMobil Qatar and Al Salam Company.