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Ouaddar stunned a strong field to win CSI5* jump-off

A dazzling performance by Morocco’s Abdelkebir Ouaddar and 11-year-old stallion Quickly de Kreisker at CSI5* against the clock with jump-off (1m55) competition, thrilled the spectators at CHI AL SHAQAB 2015, on Thursday’s last event.

The Moroccan, currently fourth in the Arabian League and the winner of two competitions in Dubai recently, sent a warning to his fellow riders on Wednesday, when he recorded the third fastest time at the opening CSI5* event, but he was unlucky to hit the fence and eventually ended up 21st. On Thursday, fate repaid him with a generous gift, when the French-born Quickly de Kreisker, owned by the Moroccan royal family, really hit the hard fence No. 7, but the bar stayed in its place and allowed Ouaddar to enjoy his unprecedented triumph. Quickly justified his name in the ranks and sprinted to an astonishing 39:70 clocking.

World’s No. 1 rider and horse Scott Brash and Hello Sanctos came almost one and a half minutes short (41:21) of Ouaddar’s time, and had to settle for second place, in what was Brash’s first serious ride in Doha.

Third was Germany’s Daniel Deusser, the CSI5* against the clock – 1m50 winner on Wednesday with a time of 41:36. The German rode his second horse Cornet D’ Amour, a 2003-born German-bred gelding and edged out Briton Michael Whitaker and Amai, who were in the lead for most of the final tie-breaker round.

The jump-off saw 23 riders taking part out of the 42 entrants, a rather large number as even the designer of the course Frank Rothenberger admitted:

“I had the impression that fewer riders would qualify, but that apparently didn’t happen”.

RESULTS

1. Abdelkebir Ouaddar (Morocco) – Quickly de Kreisker 0/39:70
2. Scott Brash (Great Britain) – Hello Sanctos 0/41:21
3. Daniel Deusser (Germany) – Cornet d’ Amour 0/41:36

QUOTES

Abdelkebir Oaddar (MAR), winner

“I know I have a very fast horse. So I could take all the risk. But I am still very happy now that I could win against the best. To beat Scott Brash is a special feeling.”
On the oxer fence No 7 nearly falling:
“I saw that it was little bit tight. But I knew everything would be alright because I have total confidence in my horse.”

Scott Brash (GBR), second

On Oaddar’s round:
“Nobody could have beaten him today. He has had a fantastic round. I did not even try to get him.”
On World No. 1 horse Hello Sanctos:
“He has had a break and this is only his second show this year. I am very happy with him. Doha is good for us.”

Daniel Deusser (GER), third

On the competition:
"I am absolutely happy with his performance today. I felt as if we were going really fast in the Jump-off - and I did not really expect someone being even faster."
On his performance at CHI Al Shaqab so far:
"I wouldn't mind if it went on just like it has been so far."

Michael Whittaker (GBR), fourth

On his result:
“I am happy with result. Everything went smoothly.”
On CHI AL SHAQAB 2015:
“I am very happy with all the facilities at CHI AL SHAQAB 2015. No complaints whatsoever. Great event, fantastic setting. One of the best if not the best in the world.”