For Vladimir Tuganov, age is no barrier. At 56, the Russian rider is still going strong and is giving the youngsters a run for their money. Yesterday at the Qatar Federation Federation’s outdoor arena, Tuganov proved too good for his opponents as he guided his stallion Suspens Floreval to a commanding win in the 145 cm class at the Qatar International Show Jumping Championship.
Qatar’s young riders Salmeen Sultan al-Suwaidi astride Cantaro 32 and Hamad al-Attiyah riding Clinton did their best but had to settle for second and third place respectively.
Last night’s main event was a dress rehearsal for tonight’s FEI World Cup competition and Tuganov laid down the gauntlet to his rivals with a supreme show. With the riders being allowed to ride with two horses, Tuganov was in with a chance to take two podium spots. But the two-time Olympian finished fourth with his another horse, nine-year-old Qualidam, missing out on a double podium.
The 11-year-old Suspens Floreval was not to deny Tuganov a victory though. Tuganov, who is on his fourth visit to Doha, made best use of his knowledge of the conditions as he marshalled Suspens Floreval around the course in a fastest time of 72.74 seconds. The victory made Tuganov richer by €15,450.
Al-Suwaidi put in an excellent round with 17-year-old gelding Cantaro, but the pair fell short of the winning time by a mere 0.17 seconds. Their time of 72.91 seconds gave them a runner-up finish and al-Suwaidi a pursue of €12,360. The third place went to Hamad al-Attiyah and 10-year-old gelding Clinton in 73.04 seconds, which earned home rider €9,270.
“It was a great competition,” Tuganov said. “I am happy to have done so well. I am always confident going into a competition. I was good in the jump-off. The obstacles went smooth. This is my fourth time here in Doha and it feels good to have won here,” the Moscow resident said. Earlier, Qatari riders swept the podium in the 135 cm class. Mubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi topped the timesheets with Siec Cosmos Wijngaardhoeve Z, cruising home in 35.68 secs.
The second place went to Hamad Nasser al-Qadi (St. Lucia), while Awad Alqahtani (Gerenice Of Colors) took third sport. In the day’s opening event, 120 cm class, Qatar took the first two spots. Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi on Fudine emerged triumphant ahead of compatriot, Mohammed Salem al-Marri on Gin Tonic Van De Kranenburg. Indonesia’s Ferry Wahyu Hadiyanto completed the podium with Looping 46.
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