DOHA: Popular rider Awad Al Qahtani (pictured above) grabbed the Big Tour glory after a flawless routine by Cassander Van Het Bremhof in round eight of the hugely popular Hathab Series.
Cassander Van Het Bremhof clocked a time of 47.76 seconds in the 130-140cm competition at the Outdoor Arena of the Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF).
Al Qahtani picked up the top prize of QR 7,500 in the two-phased competition. QEF President Hamad Abdulrahman Al Attiyah was present to hand over the prizes to the top three riders.
Nasser Al Ghazali, astride Quel Homme, finished in second place in a time of 48.23 seconds. Al Ghazali won QR 6,000 for his efforts on the final day of the eight round.
Salmeen Sultan Al Suwaidi finished in third placed with Cantaro 32 (45.52 seconds, 4 faults). Al Suwaidi won QR 4,500.
Sheikh Khalifa Al Thani (Yagudin, 60.80, QR 3,000) and Rashid Towaim Al Marri (Beyonce, 48.77 seconds, 8 faults, QR 2,100) completed the top five riders in the 18-man field.
Earlier in competition five yesterday, experienced Qatari rider Mubarak Yousuf Al Rumaihi guided SIEC Cosmos Wijngaardoeve Z to a convincing win in the 115-125cm round against the clock contest. SIEC Cosmos Wijngaardoeve Z clocked a time of 52.45 seconds as Al Rumaihi won the top prize of QR 3,750.
Mohammed Nasser Al Qadi, astride Vlacido, sealed the second spot in a time of 55.16 seconds. The second place was worth QR3,000. Mohammed Said Haidan combined with Apple Bee to secure the third place in a time of 55.57 seconds. The third-best rider got QR2,250.
Ahmed Mohammed Al Badi (Latino 291, 57.33 seconds, QR 1,500) and Salman Mohammed Al Emadi (Selva 4, 58.91 seconds, QR 1,050) completed the top five. A total of 40 riders featured in the competition.
Earlier in the dressage level 1 competition, Saeed Hamad Al Rashdi sailed an easy win with Graffiti De Lully CH to claim the top hounors with a score of 70.600. The top prize was worth QR 2,900. Amna Ahmad Al Saffar combined well with Rhythm to secure the second spot with a score of 67.600. Amna won QR 2,300.
Ali Mohammed Al Marri (Circus, 65.800, QR 1,800) bagged the third spot. Hassan Al Nuaimi (Leslie Ann 2, 64.400, QR 1,250) and Young Qatari rider Munira Al Tamemi (Silvan, 62.600, QR 950) completed the top five.
Mounira said yesterday: “ I am thrilled to have featured for the fourth time in this series. My horse was a little nervous as the start but got better. I thank the organisers for putting together this amazing series. The rounds have been very competitive while the riders are getting valuable experience. I know we will all try to improve in the coming rounds.”
Tournament Director Ali Al Rumaihi said yesterday: “It is very encouraging to see so many young riders come in and compete. Their participation shows that the purpose to have this championship has been served. The riders are learning about competing and grooming. This training phase will help them in international events in the future. We have reached the eight round of the series. There has been fierce competition among the young riders. We are looking forward to the next round of competitions with three legs to go. The stage is set for exciting battles as more and more riders eye glory.”
