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Frenchman Roger Yves Bost won the Big Tour CSI5* at the first CHI Al Shaqab show-jumping event here at the state-of-the-art Al Shaqab arena last night.
Bost guided Castle Forbes Coma superbly as he completed the course in 61.75secs, almost two seconds ahead of his closest rival Luciana Diniz, who finished in 63.80secs, to win the maiden event at the venue. Marco Kutscher of Germany came third on Cash 63, while Ramzy al-Duhami of Saudi Arabia finished fourth on Bayard Van de villa Theresia.
“It was a tough day, but I am happy to finish atop. I think I rode well today, but I must say Luciana was also in good nick. She was very competitive,” Bost said.
“The arena is incredible. I hope I get another opportunity to return here,” said the 47-year-old Frenchman, who won the Qatar leg of the Global Champions Tour last year.
“I am happy to finish at number two today. It was a nice competition at one of the best arenas. It’s just unbelievable here at the Al Shaqab,” Luciana said.
“It was a tough show. I am happy with the start today and hope it will improve later on during the event,”
al-Duhami said. “I am not going for the World Cup. I am concentrating on the World Equestrian Games as I have two good horses for that,” the London Olympics bronze medal winner added.
Qatar’s Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al-Thani, who had a fall during the Medium Tour CSI3* earlier in the day, took part in the CSI5* and finished in the 28th position. Sheikh Ali was riding his horse Sieshof’s Abraksas and fell at fence nine during the competition.
Earlier in the presence of Al Shaqab Vice Chairperson Her Excellency Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, flags of 23 participating countries were raised over the arena. Thirty-one riders cantered onto the arena floor to mark the beginning of the CHI Al Shaqab 2013 with a show-jumping tour.
Jumping over obstacles set in place by the Argentinian Leopoldo Palacios who designed the Doha-inspired course, the riders completed the Small Tour CSI3*, a two-phase competition, over a 1.30m track.
Roger Yves Bost also claimed the first spot in the Medium Tour against the clock for 140cm. Bost riding on Nikyta D’Elle, clocked 60.95 to qualify for the Medium Grand Prix. He completed the course faster than his closest competitor Hans-Dieter Dreher of Germany, who came second in 62.79 on Canberra R, while France’s Simon Delestre finished third on Quiness Du Mezel with a timing of 63.41.
“It was a fast course. It’s amazing here, absolutely first class facilities. I have my best horse with me and I am ready to compete in the CSI5* event next,” Dreher said.
World No 5 and winner of Global Champions Tour 2012, Edwins Tops-Alexander, who finished the event at the 11th spot said, “I did a good round today, but I did not want to push my horse too fast this early in the competition. It would have been better for me if the fences had been bigger!”
Abdullah Waleed Sharbatly of Saudi Arabia, who finished fourth in the qualifying event, was also impressed with the facilities here.
“This is the best arena in the world by far – even the Olympics wasn’t as well organised. There is no comparison, ask any of the riders here, they would all tell you a similar thing,” he said.
Olympic gold medal winner Ludger Beerbaum of Germany, a former world No 1 had mixed feelings after the round yesterday.
“I have brought two horses for the event. We had a clear round today, but it was like a bullfight – let’s hope things will improve later.”
Qatar’s Ali Yousef al-Rumaihi finished 13th on Ravenna as he clocked 68.02. Another Qatar rider Mohammed Said Haidan, who was riding Celesto 2, came 21st.
Speaking on the occasion CHI Al Shaqab event director Omar al-Mannai said, “I am delighted that we can finally present to the world the CHI Al Shaqab. We have a busy schedule over the next four days, encompassing three disciplines – show jumping, dressage and endurance.
“I am confident that every rider here will agree that this is one of the most beautiful equestrian venues in the world.”
“The event is also the perfect opportunity to demonstrate Qatar’s rich heritage in equine culture and sport,” he added.
The cream of world show jumping will take centre stage today again at 6.00pm with 35 of the very best riders coming forward for the CSI5* Big Tour one jump-off 150cm against the clock.
Among the starters will be the reigning Olympic individual gold and silver medallists Steve Guerdat of Sweden and Gerco Schroder of the Netherlands, plus the winner of the 2012 Global Champions Tour Edwina Tops-Alexander of Australia.