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The Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines: Day 3 sees 2022 Jumping Grand Prix winner Marcus Ehning return to repeat the feat – while Patrik Kittel takes the Dressage title.

 

HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani honour Qatar’s premier international equestrian competition with their presence.

 

 

 

25 February 2023 – Doha, Qatar. It was a spectacularly successful day for the German showjumping star, Marcus Ehning, and his horse Stargold, as they returned to the scene of their win in this event last year – and won again! The jump off for the title, contested by seven riders, provided a thrilling conclusion to this third and final day of world-class equestrian sport at the 2023 Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines, in the magnificent Longines Arena at Al Shaqab.

 

The traditional climax to CHI AL SHAQAB – the Jumping Grand Prix on a course of 1.60m fences, contested over two rounds with a jump off – attracted a 39-strong field of élite showjumpers from no less than 16 different nations. The ultimate champion, Marcus Ehning from Germany, achieved clear rounds of 71.67 secs and 72.8 secs, riding his 12-year-old bay stallion Stargold, before racing to a time of 41.74 secs in the jump off. This outstanding performance secured the Grand Prix title – and First Prize of EUR 135,300.

 

In second place, winning EUR 82,000, was Frenchman Simon Delestre (71.66, 70.83 and 42.03 secs), on his mount Dexter Fontenis Z; while for third place, a prize of EUR 43,050 went to Japan’s Mike Kawai (76.20, 75.01 and 44.98 secs) on Saxo de la Cour. The top 18 placed competitors shared a total prize fund for this event of EUR 410,000.

 

Shortly after the competition, a glittering awards ceremony was graced by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, who presented the winners with their prizes, accompanied by HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Al Shaqab Chairperson, and Mr Omar Al-Mannai, Event Director of Al Shaqab.

 

At the concluding media press conference, the elated winner, Marcus Ehning, commented: “I didn’t think it was possible to win it again with the same horse, but he’s in great shape and very fresh. I’m so proud of him! You’re only ever as good as your horse – and I know this horse very well. I know he can do whatever we ask of him, and that gives me confidence. I’m getting old myself now, but I can carry on for a few years still, if I have the right horses. Everything went fine today.”

 

Earlier, with an exceptional final score of 84.070%, the Swedish star Patrik Kittel took this year’s Dressage Grand Prix Freestyle title and a winner’s cheque for EUR 26,000. Patrik rode his 11-year-old gelding Touchdown, the pair finishing ahead of the Netherlands’ Dinja van Liere (78.455%) on Hartsuijker and, in third, Germany’s Evelyn Eger (77.840%) aboard Westminster. The 14 contenders in this class shared a total prize fund of EUR 100,000.

 

At a press conference, following the prize-giving ceremony, Patrik expressed his sense of redemption at victory today, after making a significant error in yesterday’s Grand Prix tests: “I have to say I was quite nervous today, even though I’ve been in the sport for 25 years. But it all felt good and, from the first to the last halt, my horse just flew through. It was a really cool ride – at another great show for Al Shaqab. One thing I love here is how you see so many children riding and interacting with horses. We all love the sport of course, but it’s also about horses being part of society and a positive influence in young people’s lives. And to see those developments here really warms my heart.”

 

In the penultimate 5-star Jumping class – the CSI 5* 1.50m – Flying Frenchman, Simon Delestre completed a double on his stallion, I Amelusina R. Having already won Friday’s 1.45m event in the same class, he triumphed over a field of 28 riders on Saturday, crossing the finish line in a time of 57.66 secs – a clear margin of victory over second-placed Briton, Jack Whitaker (60.03 secs) riding Equine America Valmy de la Lande, and third-placed rider, Germany’s Hans-Dieter Dreher (60.40 secs) on Vestmalle des Cotis.

 

On Saturday morning, the final day had got underway with an exciting Dressage 5-star Grand Prix Special (CDI 5*) – the ‘Special’ class signifying a technically very challenging test. Coming out on top was Charlotte Defalque from Belgium, riding her 17-year-old chestnut stallion Botticelli, with a score of 69.638%. Second place went to Lithuania’s Justina Vanagaite (68.957%) on her ride Nabab; and third was Spain’s Juan Matute Guimon (67.979%) on Quantico.

 

Charlotte said: “Last year I was second, so to come back and win is very exciting. My horse and I have been on a long journey together through the levels, and now we’re at our peak. I decided to do the Special, instead of the Freestyle, because he’s a very clever horse and needs to be challenged and surprised. I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.”

 

The Jumping CSI 2* 1.35m class, against the clock, brought a much-deserved win for Qatar’s Sheikh Khalifa Abdulaziz J A Al Thani – after two second-place finishes over 1.30m and 1.40m fences on Friday. Riding his 10-year-old chestnut mare Serendipity, Sheikh Khalifa prevailed in a 22-strong field, completing the course in 58.92 seconds. The runner-up was Kuwait’s Ali Al Khorafi (60.03 secs) on Karaat, just ahead of third-placed Cyrine Cherif from France (60.33 secs) riding Brennus Villelongue.

 

Speaking to the media after his victory, Sheikh Khalifa commented: “The win feels great – and gives me extra motivation for the Grand Prix class later. Thanks also to my wife and family, who are always there to support and get behind me. To Al Shaqab too, for organizing this event so perfectly. I’ve developed a close relationship with this horse, Serendipity, over the past three years. She’s an Irish-bred mare, who always knows her job and wants to give her best, each time she walks into the ring.”

 

In the subsequent Jumping CSI 2*, Grand Prix with Jump Off over 1.45 fences, first place went to Kuwait’s Ali Al Khorafi, riding a 10-year-old named “I”. Ali completed a clear round in 70.13 secs, before winning the Jump Off with a time of 34.70 secs. Second was Saudi Arabia’s Kamal Abdullah Bahamdan on Kwikly (68.59 secs clear / 35.37 secs); third was Qatar’s Mohammed Khalifa A Al Baker aboard Lissabon (71.46 secs with 4 faults / 36.30 secs).

 

It has been a great show for this winner, Ali Al Khorafi, with a couple of thirds, a second place in the earlier class, and finally a first place – making him the only non-Qatari winner in this year’s 2-star classes. Speaking of his win, Ali said: “I’m very pleased, especially as today is also Kuwait’s National Day! My horses love the facilities here at Al Shaqab – and I believe this horse has the potential to go to a higher level, as he gains more experience. For the jump off against some fast riders, we decided it was time to take a few risks – and thankfully it all came off!”

 

The Para-Dressage (CPEDI 3*) Para GP Freestyle class brought a third victory of the weekend for the USA’s Kate Shoemaker, with a remarkable score of 81.850% – a full 8 percentage points ahead of her closest rival in Grade IV; Kate had previously triumphed in that Grade of the Grand Prix A and B tests. Another serial winner here was Dutchwoman Annemarieke Nobel, who had already taken Grade I first place in Friday’s Grand Prix B.

 

The full list of Grade winners in Saturday’s Freestyle was as follows: Grade I, Annemarieke Nobel (NED) 74.222%; Grade II, Beatrice de Lavalette (USA) 77.722%; Grade III, Lotte Krijnsen (NED) 75.833%; Grade IV, Kate Shoemaker (USA) 81.850%; and Grade V, Kevin van Ham (BEL), 72.875%.

 

Once again, the prestigious CHI AL SHAQAB event has proved to be tremendously popular with equestrian fans and international competitors alike. Record numbers of spectators attended the three days of exciting and élite competition – confirming CHI AL SHAQAB’s status as a true highlight of the global equestrian sports calendar.

 

This year, it has been especially pleasing that so many of the competitors have taken the time to praise the quality of the competition in CHI AL SHAQAB, the high standard of organization for the event, and the exceptional facilities available at Qatar’s premier equestrian center.

 

Speaking at the final press conference, Al Shaqab’s Event, Mr Omar Al-Mannai, said: “It’s always a pleasure for us to gather everyone around us to witness top performances and a great competition. The riders, the horses – everyone is doing their best to put on a great show here in Qatar. We truly appreciate that our 10^th edition has been celebrated with some great sport over the past three days”.

 

Special mention goes to the winner of the event’s top Showjumping prize – the Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Grand Prix Presented by Longines – who this year, once again, was Marcus Ehning from Germany, riding Stargold. Congratulations from all at Al Shaqab!

 

During the event, daily bulletins have been made available on the Al Shaqab website (www.alshaqab.com) to keep everyone up to date with the latest news on events, results and winning riders.

 

At the conclusion of this weekend of hugely exciting equestrian sport and family fun, the CHI AL SHAQAB organizing committee would like to thank – and express their appreciation to – all those without whom this world-class event would not have been possible: the entire Al Shaqab team, the event sponsors and partners, and the dedicated local volunteers, as well as all participating schools and community groups.

 

CHI AL SHAQAB is over for another year. But equestrian fans won’t have long to wait for the next major international event at the Longines Arena, with the Longines Global Champions Tour – Doha taking place next weekend, from 2 to 4 March. The Doha meeting is the opening leg of this year’s 16-event Tour, which forms the world’s premier showjumping championship.

 

Tickets for the 2023 Longines Global Champions Tour – Doha are available at www.q-tickets.com or on arrival at the venue.

 

 

-ENDS-

 

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Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines

Among the highlights on the global equestrian sports calendar, the CHI (‘Concours Hippique International’) event at Al Shaqab is one of only five CHI equestrian competitions held annually around the world – and the only event of its kind in the Middle East and Asia regions.

 

To learn more, please visit https://alshaqab.com/en/media/chi-al-shaqab

 

Al Shaqab – A World-Class Facility

Since its establishment in 1992, Al Shaqab’s vision has been 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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