Al-Ajami scoops Big Tour victory with Ulano

Faleh Suwead al-Ajami clinched the Big Tour title during the 10th leg of the Longines Hathab – Qatar Equestrian Tour yesterday. At the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s Indoor Arena, al-Ajami astride his veteran gelding Ulano clocked 44.01 seconds in the jump-off to win the 143cm class.
Al-Ajami was also given a helping hand as Cyrine Cherif, who had posted the fastest time in the first round with her 11-year-old bay Collezione Cesaro Mikimoto, did not take part in the jump-off as her horse refused to perform. Cherif had to settle for second spot. In third was Hamad Nasser al-Qadi, who was quick with his trusted gelding S I E C Lonnie as they galloped the course in 71.73 secs. But they dropped a hurdle, which cost them four seconds and pushed them to third spot.
Earlier, Hamad Nasser al-Qadi won the Open Class in a comfortable fashion. Al-Qadi was lighting quick with nine-year-old mare Gibria-B as they finished the course in 56.71 seconds. Nasser al-Ghazali was third with What A Pleasure, followed by Mohamed Saeed Haidan in third on Quick Step in 60.16 secs. 
The third season of the series was halted after nine rounds in March due to the spread of coronavirus pandemic. Now with relaxations in place, the organisers – the Qatar Equestrian Federation and Al Shaqab – decided to conduct the remaining three rounds without the spectators. The 11th leg of Hathab will be held next weekend, while the final and 12th leg will be a three-day affair and will conducted from August 27-29. Meanwhile, Badr al-Darwish, secretary-general of the Qatar and Asian Equestrian Federations and organising committee member of the Hathab praised all those who contributed for the success of the event.
“The resumption of Hathab shows the commitment of the organising committee towards the sponsors and riders to these competitions. The organising committee has adhered to the precautionary measures adopted by the authorities in the country to limit the spread of Covid-19. There is great coordination between all the parties, which has shown in the smooth conduct of the event,” al-Darwish said.

Results
Big Tour 130/145cm class; Prize Money QR35,000
1. Faleh Suwead al-Ajami, Horse: Ulano. Time: 78.12 and 44.01 seconds, Prize money: QR9,625
2. Cyrine Cherif, Collezione Cesaro Mikimoto, 73.59 secs, QR7,000
3. Hamad Nasser al-Qadi, S I E C Lonnie, 4 faults, 71.73 secs, QR5,250

Open Class 115/125 cm class; Prize Money QR15,000
1. Hamad Nasser al-Qadi, Horse: Gibria-B, Time: 56.71 seconds, Time: QR3,750
2. Nasser al-Ghazali, What A Pleasure, 59.00 secs, QR3,000
3. Mohamed Saeed Haidan, Quick Step, 60.16 secs, QR2,250