Al-Saaq’s winning time was 68.56 seconds, more than three seconds ahead of second-placed Saeed Nasser al-Qadi, who came home in 68.56 with his 14-year-old Day Dreamer EC. The third spot went to Hamad Nasser al-Qadi, who piloted What A Pleasure to podium finish in 73.12 seconds.
Al-Saaq said it was an honour to win the event and called Hathab as an ideal stepping to stone to compete in international competitions. “Hathab is one of the great national competitions. It prepare us to compete in international championships and I’m very honoured to have come first today,” said al-Saaq, who picked up QR3,750 for his effort.
“The competition was strong as I was up against top 26 national riders. It was tough but I won thanks to support of my team. I am glad I could repay their faith and come first,” he added.
Hamad al-Qadi, who came third, was pleased with is effort and was looking forward to today’s feature class. “The competition is strong and I am very pleased to be in top three. I am very thrilled for tomorrow as I will be competing for the grand prize and I hope to give my best,” he said.
Podium winners of ‘Open Class’ pose with their trophies with Qatar Equestrian Federation secretary-general Bader al-Darwish (centre) and Showjumping Grand Jury president Nasser al-Hajri yesterday.
It was a fruitful day for Hamad al-Qadi, who had earlier in the afternoon finished second in the Small Tour 100/115cm class.
Mohamad Khalid al-Qashouti came out on top in that event, as he led Goldan to victory in 40.51 seconds to take home winner’s cheque of QR2,500.
Hamad al-Qadi was .39 seconds behind with his 11-year-old bay Belucci Van ‘T Vleminkhof. The final podium spot went to Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi, who guided Fudine to finish line in 41.97 seconds.
The highlight of the day was six Qatari women riders competing in the Small Tour class. There was a thunderous applause as the women riders gave a tough fight to their male counterparts.
Today, the final day the second leg of Hathab will see competitions in both showjumping and dressage. The morning session will begin at 8:30am with level 1 of dressage completion, followed by level 2.
The showjumping events will begin at 2pm with Medium Tour 120/130cm class, followed by the feature event of the second leg, Big Tour 130/140cm at 4:30pm.
Results
Open Class: Table A, One round against the clock 115/125cm. Prize money: QR 15,000
1. Mohamed Taleb al-Saaq (Diamond Delemma). Time: 68.56 seconds. Prize money: QR3,750
2. Saeed Nasser al-Qadi (Daydreamer EC) 71.83 secs. QR3,000
3. Hamad Nasser al-Qadi (What A Pleasure) 73.12 secs. QR2,250.
Small Tour: Table A, Special two phases 100/115cm. Prize money: QR 10,000
1. Mohamed Khalid al-Qashouti (Goldan) Time: 40.51 seconds. Prize money: QR2,500.
2. Hamad Nasser al-Qadi (Belucci Van ‘T Vleminkhof) 41.30 secs. QR2,000
3. Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi (Fudine) 41.97 secs. . QR1,500
Schedule Today
Dressage: At 8:30am: Level 1; At 10:30am: Level 2
Showjumping
At 2pm: Medium Tour: Table A, One round against the clock 120/130cm
At 4:30pm: Big Tour Table A, Special two phases 130/140cm