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Past winner Brash praises CHI AL SHAQAB competition

2013 Grand Prix winner finds riding in Qatar a “delight”

Doha: Scott Brash is no stranger to high-level international competition. The British showjumper, who is competing this weekend at the fifth edition of CHI AL SHAQAB, has had an illustrious career, winning a team gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Games and a Champion of Champions silver medal at the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) 2015.

CHI AL SHAQAB gives Brash, currently ranked ninth worldwide, the opportunity to add to his trophy case, but it won’t be easy. “This year’s competition brings a group of leading, highly prepared and competitive riders from all across the world,” he says. “It is quite difficult to choose the top competitor.”

He names German riders Daniel Deusser and Christian Ahlman, internationally ranked one and two, respectively in the world, as well as Qatar’s Sheikh Ali Al Thani as his toughest challengers.

Brash has competed at CHI AL SHAQAB since its inauguration, and won the 5* Grand Prix in November 2013, a victory which secured him the 2013 Global Champions Tour crown. He praised the world-class facility that AL SHAQAB has developed over the past years, saying: “Our horses are taken best care of here during the competition, which gives us peace of mind and the chance to prepare better for the competitions. We are thankful to the organizers and AL SHAQAB for such great hospitality.”

Brash noted that CHI AL SHAQAB has helped grow Qatar as an equestrian destination through its continued investment in human capital and facilities. He says: “It is fantastic that this sport is spreading very fast. A considerable number of spectators now watch the competitions and most importantly, they understand the sport very well.”

Brash says he enjoys being in Qatar for CHI AL SHAQAB as it offers him tough competition closer to home than many other international events, which benefits both him and his horses. He noted, “CHI AL SHAQAB not only promotes Qatar’s aspirations for this sport nationally, but also greatly contributes to ensuring the sport remains relevant and competitive on the global arena. It is a delight for all of us.”