Al-Saaq sails to victory in second leg of Hathab

Mohamed Taleb al-Saaq cruised to victory on the opening day of thesecond leg of Hathab equestrian series. At the Al Shaqab indoor arenayesterday, al-Saaq, astride Diamond Delemma, obliterated his rivals witha quick round to clinch the Open Class 115/125cm.Al-Saaq’s winning time was 68.56 seconds, more than three seconds aheadof second-placed Saeed Nasser al-Qadi, who came home in 68.56 with his14-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 anideal stepping to stone to compete in international competitions.“Hathab is one of the great national competitions. It prepare us tocompete in international championships and I’m very honoured to havecome 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 couldrepay their faith and come first,” he added.Hamad al-Qadi, who came third, was pleased with is effort and waslooking forward to today’s feature class. “The competition is strong andI am very pleased to be in top three. I am very thrilled for tomorrowas 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 QatarEquestrian Federation secretary-general Bader al-Darwish (centre) andShowjumping 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 ledGoldan to victory in 40.51 seconds to take home winner’s cheque ofQR2,500. Hamad al-Qadi was .39 seconds behind with his 11-year-old bay BelucciVan ‘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 theSmall Tour class. There was a thunderous applause as the women ridersgave a tough fight to their male counterparts. Today, the final day the second leg of Hathab will see competitions inboth showjumping and dressage. The morning session will begin at 8:30amwith level 1 of dressage completion, followed by level 2.The showjumping events will begin at 2pm with Medium Tour 120/130cmclass, followed by the feature event of the second leg, Big Tour130/140cm at 4:30pm.ResultsOpen Class: Table A, One round against the clock 115/125cm. Prize money: QR 15,0001. Mohamed Taleb al-Saaq (Diamond Delemma). Time: 68.56 seconds. Prize money: QR3,7502. 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 10,0001. 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. QR2,0003. Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi (Fudine) 41.97 secs. . QR1,500Schedule TodayDressage:  At 8:30am: Level 1; At 10:30am: Level 2ShowjumpingAt 2pm: Medium Tour: Table A, One round against the clock 120/130cmAt 4:30pm: Big Tour Table A, Special two phases 130/140cm