Al-Ghazali, al-Marri triumph

The Qatari duo were in top form on the opening dayQatari riders Nasser al-Ghazali and Rashid Towaim al-Marri put on a splendid show on the opening day of the Al Rayyan International Show Jumping Championship, by winning two of the three competitions held yesterday. Under the lights at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s Main Arena, the Qatari duo enthralled the local crowd with their brilliant show. In the feature event of the night, al-Ghazali and his 16-year-old mare Delloren combined to produce a flawless routine to clinch the 145cm class.The 20-year-old Al Ghazali is a 2014 Asian Games gold medallist with Delloren and the pair once again showed their class last night. Delloren crossed the hurdles in a time of 31.08 seconds in the second run. Al Ghazali took home QR30,525 for his efforts.The second place went to Saudi rider Kamal Abdullah Bahamdan, astride Lacasino, which came home in 31.15 seconds. Bahamdan won QR24,420.The third place went to Bahamdan’s compatriot Ramzy Hamad al-Duhami. The Saudi Rider, who won two events and finished second in the feature event at the Qatar International Show Jumping Championship last week, continued his red-hot form this week as well. Al-Duhami and his nine-year-old gelding High Quality J finished their routine in 31.26 seconds, which fetched al-Duhami QR18,315.Last week’s feature event winner, Turkey’s Derin Demirsoy (Narazo De Nyze Z, 31.90 seconds, QR12,210) finished second, while American rider Reed Kessler (Tradition De La Roque, 32.92 seconds, QR8,547) completed the top-five in the day’s main event.Earlier, al-Marri had given Qatar the day’s first victory by winning in the 130/135cm class, with his 13-year-old mare Dolce Vita M. Dolce Vita M’s winning time was 56.18 seconds as it galloped in fine style, and was given a thunderous round of applause from the home crowd. Al-Marri won the top prize of QR8,750.Kuwait’s Sheikh Yousuf al-Sabah, riding under the FEI flag, guided Femke EC to the second spot. Femke EC clocked a time of 56.79 seconds as al-Sabah won QR7,000.Saudi rider Abdulrahman al-Hamazani, astride Birgitta, finished in third spot in a time of 58.05 seconds. Al-Hamazani won QR 5,250 for his efforts.“It is not easy to win this show. The top international riders are here,” a delighted al-Marri said after his victory. “We have the best riders from this region and from Europe,” he added.Al-Marri was hoping to continue his fine from in the next two days of the competition. “I am grateful for this win. I hope I can do it tomorrow also. It isn’t a surprise. My mare is a winner. She is always there to win. I have been riding with her six months. She is a bit difficult at times but I know her better now,” the 22-year-old said“I want to thank God. I also want to thank my father and HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani for their support,” the Qatari added.Saudi duo of Khaled Abdulaziz al-Eid (Moustic Des Flayelles, 58.72 seconds, QR3,500) and Bader Mohammed Alfard (Fulla, 58.77 seconds, QR2,450) competed the top-five out of 36 riders in the fray.Earlier in competition one, Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Alrajhi powered to opening win by guiding H Zoe to a smooth ride. H Zoe clocked a time of 23.57 seconds as al-Rajhi celebrated the start of the three-day championship with a purse of QR7,500.Qatar’s young rider Saeed Nasser al-Qadi continued with his fine form by guiding Jessico 4 to second place in a time of 25.23 seconds. Al-Qadi won QR6,000.In third place was Kuwait’s Sheikh Yousaf al-Sabah – riding under the FEI flag – who was astride Enjoy secured the third spot in a time of 25.90 seconds. The third spot was worth QR4,500. ResultsSpecial two phases, Art. 274.5.6 – 145 cm – Prize: QR122,1001. Nasser al-Ghazali (Qatar) Delloren. 31.08. QR30,5252. Kamal Abdullah Bahamdan (Saudi Arabia) Lacasino. 31.15. QR24,4203. J Ramzy Hamad al-Duhami (Saudi Arabia) High Quality. 31.26. QR18,315Table A, One round against the clock Art. 238.2.1 – 130/135cm – Prize: QR35,000 1. Rashid Towaim al-Marri (Qatar) Dolce Vita M. 56.18 secs. QR8,7502. Sheikh Yousuf al-Sabah (FEI) Femke EC. 56.79. QR7,0003. Abdulrahman Alhamazani (Saudi Arabia) Birgitta. 58.05. QR5,250Two Phases, Art. 274.5.3 - 120 cm - Prize: QR30,0001. Abdullah Alrajhi (Saudi Arabia) H Zoe. 23.57 seconds. Prize money: QR7,5002. Saeed Nasser al-Qadi (Qatar) Jessico 4. 25.23. QR6,0003. Sheikh Yousuf al-Sabah (FEI) Enjoy. 25.90 QR4,500.