It was a double delight for Hamad Nasser al-Qadi as the impressive rider clinched both the first and second place in the feature class of the second leg of Hathab Equestrian series yesterday.
At Al Shaqab’s indoor arena, Hamad was in great form as he piloted two of his horses to podium finishes in the Big Tour 130/140 class. Riders were allowed to compete with two horses and Hamad grabbed the opportunity with both the hands.
First, in the company of 12-year-old gelding SIEC Lonnie, Hamad flew around a tricky course to stop the clock in 44.67 seconds. Then he returned with St. Lucia, a 15-year-old grey mare, to snatch the second place as well, clocking 45.21 seconds. To make it a grand celebration for al-Qadi family, Hamad’s brother Saeed completed the podium, taking the third place with Daydreamer, the pair coming home in 45.41 seconds. 
It was an excellent two days for Hamad, who leapfrogged the overall leaderboard. He had also finished second and third in two separate events on Friday. “I’m very thrilled with my results today,” said Hamad, who scooped a combined prize money of QR 15,300 for the double finish.
“I was first and second today. Also yesterday I finished second and third, which has put me on the top of points table. All the riders today were very strong competitors and were well prepared. I am really honoured to compete against with such riders,” he added.
Hamad praised Hathab series for giving an opportunity to riders like him to gain valuable experience. “All the riders were really strong and ready to compete. Someone like Faleh al-Ajmi (who finished fifth and seventh) has a great experience in such championships and I admire him. This competition gave a great opportunity to exchange experience with well-established national riders. I am looking forward for the next leg of Hathab,” the Qatari noted.
Al-Qadi family dominated in the Medium Tour 120/130cm class too, as Saeed emerged triumphant with Jessico 4. Mohamed Sultan al-Suwaidi (Numero Uno T) came second, while Bandar Mansoon al-Hoban (Tagfart 111 Z) was third.
In the Dressage competition, women riders excelled as five of them finished on the podium in two events.
In the Level 1 class, Amana Ahmad al-Saffar (Drum Mousse) topped the score sheets with 69.792 points. Iris Nijboer (Wait and Seeze, 68.958) and Jessica Waldon (Jacquard, 68.750) took the second and third place respectively
Amana was delighted with her win. “I am very happy with my results. I would like to thank the organising committee for this great opportunity as this is the first national dressage event in Qatar,” she said.
Meanwhile, Saad Ahmed al-Saad (Toberlina T) bagged the first place in the Level 2 class. He was followed by Mennatallah Hesham Mourad (Quick Dance) in second place and Aisha Ahmed al-Ahmadi (Juste D’adaelle) in third.
 


Amana al-Saffar poses with her trophy after winning the dressage competition
yesterday. PICTURE: Mohamed Tinakicht



Results
Big Tour Table A, Special two phases 130/140cm Prize money: QR 30,000
1. Hamad Nasser al-Qadi (SIEC Lonnie) Time: 44.67 seconds. Prize money: QR 8,4000
2. Hamad Nasser al-Qadi (St. Lucia) 45.21 secs. QR 6,900
3. Saeed Nasser al-Qadi (Daydreamer) 45.41 secs. QR 5250
Medium Tour: Table A, One round against the clock 120/130cm
1. Saeed Nasser al-Qadi (Jessico 4) Time: 64.36 seconds. Prize money: QR 5,000
2. Mohamed Sultan al-Suwaidi (Numero Uno T) 62.27 secs. QR 4,000
3. Bandar Mansoon al-Hoban (Tagfart 111 Z) 68.18 secs. QR 3,000
Dressage level 1
1. Amana Ahmad al-Saffar (Drum Mousse) 69.792 score. Prize money: QR, 2,800
2. Iris Nijboer (Wait and Seeze) 68.958. QR 2,300
1. Jessica Waldon (Jacquard) 68.750. Q 1,750
Dressage Level 2-Results
1. Saad Ahmed al-Saad (Toberlina T)
2. Mennatallah Hesham Mourad (Quick Dance)
3. Aisha Ahmed al-Ahmadi (Juste D’adaelle)