Qatari rider Rashid Towaim al-Marri delivered a standout performance at Al Shaqab Thursday, claiming victory in the CSI5* Two Phases 1.40m class as the third round of the HH The Father Amir's Prix got under way at Al Shaqab.
Competing in his first five-star class of the championship, al-Marri produced a flawless double-clear round aboard Navaronne, stopping the clock at 26.04 seconds to secure top honours. Fellow Qatari Salman Mohammed al-Emadi finished second on Wathnan Toblerone in 26.32 seconds, while Mohammed Khalifa al-Baker completed the podium on Dukhan 3 in 26.38 seconds. “I am very happy with the performance of my horse Navarone, which earned me the title in this class,” al-Marri said. “This is my first participation in a five-star class in this championship, and I look forward to maintaining this start and competing with greater focus in the upcoming classes.”
The CSI5* Faults and Time 1.50m class saw Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah al-Sharbatly emerge victorious from a competitive field of 33 riders, with 13 finishing in the placings. Riding Boeckmanns Lord Pezi Junior, al-Sharbatly delivered a clear round in 64.45 seconds. Italy’s Roberto Previtali placed second on I’m Special Mess PS, while Austria’s Max Kuhner finished third aboard Eic Cooley Jump The Q.
In the CSI3* Two Phases 1.40m class, Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano topped the standings with a double clear in 25.96 seconds on Diarouge Blue PS. Britain’s Oliver Fletcher was second on Krack Bleu C, while Qatar’s Salman Mohammed al-Emadi claimed third place aboard Wathnan Higoletta.
Qatari riders continued to impress in the CSI3* Special Two-Phase 1.35m class, with Nasser al-Ghazali taking first place on Heavens Light H. Faleh Suwead al-Ajami finished second on Wathnan Qapella, while al-Sharbatly came third this time on Dr Scarpo.
Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Alasaker won the CSI3* Faults and Time 1.25m class on Stago CC Z, followed by Qatar’s Suhaim Hamad Al Yafei on Flash du Puits and Sultan Salem Al Naemi on Cavallina 13.
In the CSI1* Faults and Time 1.10m class, Qatar’s Abdulla Ahmed al-Khulaifi secured victory on Quenta van de Corsendonksehoeve, narrowly ahead of Abdulla Tamim al-Thani on Cassandra 352. Saudi rider Fahad Alshammari finished third.
The CSI1* Faults and Time 1.20m class was led by Saudi rider Salem Balharith on Lovina, with compatriots Khalid al-Hadi and Abdullah Abdul Aziz al-Alsheik completing the podium.
At national level, the Optimum Time 0.60m class showcased promising local talent, with Al Qaqaa Tamim al-Thani claiming first place on Goteborg Handyman, followed by Norah Jassim al-Thani on Rosi S and Ahmad Nasser al-Thani on Janne.
The competition continues Friday at the Longines Main Outdoor Arena, featuring CSI3* classes at 130cm and 145cm, followed by CSI5* events at 145cm and the headline 155cm class.
