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Al Khorafi earns CHI AL SHAQAB 2015 maiden trophy

Kuwait’s Ali Al Khorafi won CHI AL SHAQAB 2015 first gold medal after an exciting CSI3* Jumping Competition in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday.

 Al Khorafi went clear on 11-year-old mare Ungarin 4 at both competition phases in a course designed by Frank Rothenberger, as did seven more riders, but he was faster by 0,69 seconds than Qatar’s Rashid Towaim Ali Al Marri who clocked 28:82 to finish second along with a 2001-born mare Kannada. 

“I am very proud of my success as I started getting ready for the competition three weeks ago in the Emirates and I was totally focused on my performance”, said the proud winner. 

The Kuwaiti saw another fellow compatriot finishing inside the top three as Rakan Al Hasawi was third in 29:47 riding on a 13-year-old mare Vlacido. Al Hasawi surprised everyone with his performance and showed his extreme potential at the tender of age 15. 

Nevertheless, the winner and the final ranking would have been different if Qatar’s Saeed Nasser S.a Al Qadi on Jessico 4 had been a little bit more cautious with the penultimate challenge of a twelve-obstacle course. Al Qadi was faster than any of the other 29 riders clocking 26:51 but he hit the 11th (1m30cm height) fence and ended up in ninth place.

RESULTS 
 

1. Ali Al Khorafi (Kuwait) – Ungarin 4 0/28:13 

2. Rashid Towaim Ali Al Marri (Qatar) – Kannada 0/28:82 

3. Rakan Al Hasawi (Kuwait) – Vlacido 0/29:47 

QUOTES 
 

Ali AL KHORAFI (KUW), winner 

On his victory: 

“It’s very inspiring to win here! Me and my horse we were in a good mood before the start and now it’s getting even better.” 

On CHI AL SHAQAB 2015: 

“It’s an amazing event and everything is so perfectly organised. It’s a pleasure to take part in the competition here. It feels like a really nice show. CHI AL SHAQAB 2015 is an unbelievable festival of horsemanship.” 

On course design: 

“I really like this course design. It’s fun to compete here.” 

Rashid Tuwaim AL MARRI (QAT), second place 

On his and his horse’s performance: 

“Everyone wants to win and I was not an exception. I lacked just a tiny bit to finish first and it’s an incentive for me. I will be improving. However I am very happy to be in the second place. I am satisfied with my horse’s performance too.” 

On CHI AL SHAQAB 2015: 

“I am thrilled to competing here at CHI AL SHAQAB 2015. It looks superb and it sets you in the right mood straight from the start.”

Rakan AL HASAWI (KUW), a third place 

On his third place: 

“It wasn’t easy for me. I am only 15 yet I was lucky to get into the third position here. I am happy with my debut at CHI AL SHAQAB and I am sure I will have a chance to improve my result. 

On CHI AL SHAQAB 2015: 

“It’s a great experience to be here at CHI AL SHAQAB. Every detail is taken care of and it makes you show all your best qualities. I am very excited to compete here. This is a great place to be!” 

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