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Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines 2022

The ninth edition of the world-class event, organized by Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation, is being held from February 24-26. A total of 98 riders from 24 countries, and 146 competition horses, are competing in the Olympic disciplines of showjumping, dressage, and para dressage.

 

Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President, Qatar Olympic Commitee, and Chairman, Supreme Organizing Committee, Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines, attended the opening day of Qatar’s premier international equestrian competition.

 

It was the bold combination of Fredricson and his masterful mount, Hansson WL (SWB), who had the impressive opening-day crowd on their feet as they took first place in the CSI5* 1.55m class with a fautless round of 64.83 seconds. Last year’s Grand Prix champion, Germany’s Christian Ahlmann, enjoyed a happy return to Qatar, as he rode Solid Gold Z to second place in 65.82 seconds. Fredricson’s fellow team gold medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, Henrik von Eckermann, finished third on Glamour Girl, in 65.96 seconds.

 

Earlier, the day had started with the world’s leading para dressage riders competing for honors in the Team Tests.

 

The sport’s governing body, the FEI (International Equestrian Federation), grades para dressage events on a scale of one to five, depending on the level of physical challenge faced by the rider. The winners of each grade were Jens Lasse Dokkan, of Norway, riding Aladdin (Grade 1); Loes Cevaal of the Netherlands, riding Happy Hero II (Grade II); Lotte Krijnsen, of the Netherlands, riding Rosenstolz (Grade III); Rodolpho Riskalla, representing Brazil, riding Don Henrico (Grade IV); and Kevin van Ham, of Belgium, on Eros van Ons Heem (Grade V).

 

In the CSI5* 1.45m Showjumping Class (Two-Phases Special), the second event of the day, it was Ireland’s Denis Lynch who stayed one step ahead of the rest of the riding pack, taking only 32.09 seconds to claim first spot astride Cornets Iberio.

 

A thrilling battle for second place saw Norwegian Geir Gulliksen, riding VDL Groep Quatro, finish equal with Frenchman Simon Delestre, on Dexter Fontenis Z. Both combinations clocked exactly the same time of 32.96 seconds. 

 

Between competitions, and while enjoying an outstanding variety of selections from some of Qatar’s top restaurants and cafes present at the event, the crowds were entertained by the world-renowned Santi Serra Friesian Horse Show. Famous for its impressive demonstrations of communication between man and horse, the show added to the exciting festival atmosphere at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab.

 

Tickets to the second and third days of the event can be bought at the venue.

 

ENDS//

 

Al Shaqab – A World-Class Facility

Since its establishment in 1992, Al Shaqab’s vision was to build on Qatar’s Arabian horse heritage and be a leading global center for equine professionals, while providing an engaging experience for the community. Global leadership has not only meant preserving, improving, and promoting the Arabian horse breed, but also encouraging the community in this unique, traditional cultural sport. 

 

Today, Al Shaqab’s impressive facilities, which are distinctively designed in the shape of a horseshoe, cover 980,000 square meters. With a state-of-the-art Main Arena comprising both an indoor and outdoor venue capable of holding over 5,000 spectators, Al Shaqab is part of Qatar’s growing reputation on the world stage that showcases its ability to host major international sports event at the highest level.

 

For further details please visit www.alshaqab.com

 

Qatar Foundation – Unlocking Human Potential

Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) is a non-profit organization that supports Qatar on its journey to becoming a diversified and sustainable economy. QF strives to serve the people of Qatar and beyond by providing specialized programs across its innovation-focused ecosystem of education, research and development, and community development.

 

QF was founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who shared the vision to provide Qatar with quality education. Today, QF’s world-class education system offers lifelong learning opportunities to community members as young as six months through to doctoral level, enabling graduates to thrive in a global environment and contribute to the nation’s development.

 

QF is also creating a multidisciplinary innovation hub in Qatar, where homegrown researchers are working to address local and global challenges. By promoting a culture of lifelong learning and fostering social engagement through programs that embody Qatari culture, QF is committed to empowering the local community and contributing to a better world for all.

 

For a complete list of QF’s initiatives and projects, please visit: www.qf.org.qa

For any media inquiries, please contact: pressoffice@qf.org.qa

 

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