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Al Shaqab pays tribute to CHI AL SHAQAB Ground Jury Panel member Jon Doney

Doney was an integral part of CHI AL SHAQAB, the signature event of Al Shaqab, either as member of the Ground Jury or as Foreign Judge, and used his extensive experience and knowledge to constantly raise the standard of a competition that is now firmly established as one of the highlights on the global equestrian calendar.

Doney, who was awarded an MBE (Member Of The Order Of The British Empire) in 2014 for his services to equestrianism, was a FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale) Official, Course Designer, Top Level International Judge and Technical Delegate.

President of the International Ground Jury for the past nine years and a veteran FEI official, Doney worked at the Seoul 1998 Olympic Games and the London 2012 Olympic Games. His crowning glory was meant to be the now-postponed Tokyo Olympic Games, where he was due to officiate as President of the Ground Jury.

Omar Al Mannai, Commercial Manager, Al Shaqab, and Event Director, Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines, said: “Al Shaqab joins the rest of the equestrian community in mourning the passing of Jon Doney, one of the pillars of the sport.

“Jon was especially dear to us at Al Shaqab, where he contributed so much in helping elevate CHI Al SHAQAB to its present level as a world-class international equestrian event.

“Al Shaqab extends its heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to Jon’s wife, Mary, and all of his family and loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.”