The Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines will begin from today with the world’s leading riders and horses set to enthral the crowd at the magnificent Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. In its’ seventh year, the current edition of the CHI Al Shaqab will lead a stellar cast led by German showjumper Daniel Deusser, who is currently third on the Longines global rankings.
The impressive entry list also includes Sweden’s double Olympic silver medallist Peder Fredrickon (ranked number five), Belgium’s Pieter Devos (No 6 and winner of last year’s CSI5* Grand Prix in Doha), Olympians Edwina Tops-Alexander (Australia), and Scott Brash (Great Britain).
CHI (Concours Hippique International – International Equestrian Competition) is the official title awarded by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) to international equestrian competitions with three or more equestrian disciplines. CHI Al Shaqab is one of only five CHI competitions worldwide and the first and only equestrian event of its kind in the Middle East and Asia (Mena) region.
The three-day world-class international equestrian competition will see riders compete in the Olympic disciplines of showjumping, dressage, and para dressage. A total of 88 riders from 23 countries have arrived in Doha, with some edge-of-the-seat action set unfold over three days.
There will be plenty of Qatari flavour too as three home riders also will be in action. Leading the home challenge is Bassem Mohammed, who competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics and won the 2017 LGCT Doha leg Grand Prix at Al Shaqab. Faleh Suwead al-Ajami, Salman Sultan al-Marri and Rashid Towaim Ali al-Marri are the other home hopefuls.
The Longines Hathab National series will also form part of the three-day show including Small Tour, Open and Big Tour class. There will also be a competition for children and an Arabian Horse Show on the final day, Saturday. Also featuring during the championship will be a competition for riders at the International Youth Camp from all over the world.
“The competition is bigger and better than ever before, with riders from five continents taking part. The world’s top 51 athletes in show jumping, 19 in dressage and 17 in para dressage will make the event more appealing to the fans,” said Omar al-Mannai, Commercial Manager, Al Shaqab, and Event Director, Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines.
Al-Mannai said this year’s competition will be important one for the riders as they look to seal their sport at the Tokyo Olympic Games later this year with individual Olympic ranking points at stake. “Since CHI is for Olympic events of equestrian, it gives our riders the chance to compete and excel alongside the world’s best and gain experience and learning. We have some of our top riders from Qatar participating and we wish them the very best and hope that they would be successful. We also have riders from Kuwait and wish them all the success too,” he added.
On the preparation front, al-Mannai said: “We have ensured all needed arrangements. As a former rider I have looked at what needs to be catered to a rider’s needs. From the turf of competition to accommodation, the knowledge and experience has been put to use to ensure the championship runs smoothly and efficiently. We also have great support from Qatar Foundation. This year we are also using facilities of Qatar Foundation for accommodation.”
Al-Mannai also spoke about the international youth camp, which kicked off last week and will continue until the completion of the Global Champions Tour on March 7. “We first launched the global youth camp last year. This year’s camp, which started a few days ago, has more than 50 children, from 11 European nations as well as Brazil, Palestine and Qatar, in it. It’s designed to help young riders polish their skills. Not only will they watch international show jumpers from close quarters, but they’ll also attend interactive sessions with them,” said the official.
Al-Mannai said the high quality event will once again provide valuable experience to the Qatari riders. “A lot more Qatari riders will be taking part in the eighth round of the Longines Hathab – Qatar Equestrian Tour, which will be held alongside CHI Al Shaqab. It’ll be a great opportunity for our athletes to see and learn from some of the best in the business,” said the former rider.
Alejandro Berdegue, Sport Coordinator, Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines, informed that moving horses from overseas to Qatar has been a huge operation. “We had three different cargos on three flights within six hours of difference of Qatar Airways to transport the horses and it was all smooth and safe. The organisers here have a great team and vets for the horses. The venue of Al Shaqab is also the very best.”
A large turn-out of people is expected on the three days of competition and various provisions have been made including free shuttle service at ten-minute intervals from Al Shaqab Metro Station to Longines Arena Al Shaqab for all fans and families.
“The entire championship will also have family-oriented entertainment including cultural shows and performances. Cafes and restaurants around the periphery of the competition arena have also been put up. Our reliance on a large area for spectators will encourage them to come and enjoy. There will be raffle draws, prizes, coupons and in kind gifts from Al Shaqab,” informed al-Mannai.
Pieter Devos astride Claire Z on a practice run on the eve of the Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab presented by Longines yesterday. PICTURES: Stefano Grasso / Al Shaqab
