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Daniel Deusser clinches 2020 Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines Grand Prix in thrilling finale

Daniel Deusser rode to victory in a gripping Grand Prix finale at the 2020 Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines, at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, member of Qatar Foundation.

 

Riding Killer Queen Vdm, the German reigned supreme in the CSI5*1.6m Two rounds + Jump off Grand Prix in a time of 38.90 secs, winning €135.300 in prize money.

 

His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Al-Thani, Chairman, Supreme Organizing Committee, Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines, awarded Deusser his trophy.

 

Max Kühner of Austria, on Elektric Blue P, rode into second place in 39.39 secs. HE. Mr. Abdulrahman Bin Hamad Al Attiyah, BOD Member, Commercial Bank, handed the award to Kühner. France’s Roger Yves Bost, on Sangria du Coty, emerged third in 39.68 secs. He received the award from Alistair Routledge, President and General Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar.

 

Deusser, who is number 3 on the Longines global rankings, said: “Winning the Grand Prix at Al Shaqab has been a goal for me for a long time. I’ve come close a couple of times, but couldn’t win. And now to win with a young horse makes me very proud. As always, Al Shaqab was a great experience, a top show and top sport, and I look forward to returning.”

 

The last day of the premier international equestrian competition was a combination of star riders and formidable horsepower pulling out all the stops in the pursuit of glory.

 

Annika Axelsson, of Sweden, on Haloubet Hitchcock, rode to victory in the CSI5* 1.45m Table C Showjumping Class with a time of 59.44 secs. Jur Vrieling, of Netherlands, on Fiumicino van de Kalevallei, claimed second place in 60.75 secs. Titouan Schumacher, of France, on Eliot Brimbelles Z, won third place with a time of 60.81 secs.

 

In the CDI5* Dressage Grand Prix Freestyle Test, Patrik Kittel, of Sweden, riding Delaunay Old triumphed with their elegant performance, scoring 79.290 points. France’s Morgan Barbançon, on Sir Donnerhall II Old, was placed second with 76.450 points, while Juan Matute Guimon of Spain, on Quantico, with 76.400 points was declared third.

 

Kittel said: “I always love coming to Doha. Everything here at Al Shaqab is super nice. The horses are very well taken care of. Everything is done in perfection from the time we arrive, to the time we leave.”

 

The CDI5* Dressage - Grand Prix Special Test also witnessed graceful displays by athletes and their horses. Kate Dwyer, of Ireland astride Snowdon Faberge, clinched the first position with 70.043 points. Hanna Karasiova, of Belarus on Zodiak with 69.106 points and Jill de Ridder of Germany on Whitney 341 with 69.085 points were placed second and third respectively.

 

The Para Dressage CPEDI3* Freestyle event produced interesting results. The performances put up by the winners of day 1 and day 2 remained remarkably consistent on day 3, across all grades, resulting in the same winners taking the podium on the final day as well. Jens Lasse Dokkan of Norway (Grade I – 77.278 points), Pepo Puch of Austria (Grade II – 79.111 points), Rixt van der Horst of Netherlands (Grade III – 77.167 points), Rodolpho Riskalla of Brazil (Grade IV – 76.875 points) and Ciska Vermeulen of Belgium (Grade V – 75.792 points) were declared the winners for their fabulous performances.

 

Jens Lasse Dokkan said “I am very happy with the performance of my horse. I enjoy participating in the event here at Al Shaqab. The facilities are fantastic. Our preparations for the Paralympic Games in Tokyo are on schedule.”

 

Pepo Puch said: “Para Dressage is no different from the sport of able bodied athletes. Our bodies may not be able but our brains are alert and if we connect well with our horses, things work well.”

 

Rixt van der Horst said: “This is my first international show with my new trainer and I am very happy with my results. I hope to make it to the Paralympic Games in Tokyo. The competitors are strong but we have a chance.”

 

Rodolpho Riskalla said: “I am very happy with the performance of Don Frederic 3, my horse, this year. I am preparing for the upcoming World Championship and am very grateful to the people who support me.” 

 

Ciska Vermeulen said: “I had pleased with my three wins during this CHI AL SHAQAB. This sport is all about the relationship with your horse. I have had my horse for more than 15 years. It is great to partner with him.”

 

Al Shaqab will be hosting the opening leg of the 2020 Longines Global Champions Tour from 5-7 March. Tickets, including exclusive VIP packages, are now available online at https://www.q-tickets.com/ or through the Al Shaqab website (www.alshaqab.com).

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