French rider Julien Epaillard astride Usual Suspect d’Auge in action, yesterday.
French rider Julien Epaillard yesterday continued where he had left off last week as he guided Virtuose Champeix to victory in the feature event on the opening day of CHI Al Shaqab.
The 41-year-old rider last week won the prestigious LGCT Grand Prix with Usual Suspect d’Auge.
Epaillard, stride Virtuose Champeix, yesterday clocked 58.86 seconds in the 150m class at Al Shaqab Arena to win the top prize of €23,375.
Brazili’s Yuri Mansur, who was in the saddle with Carlson, clocked 61.19 seconds to get richer by €18,700 while running against the clock.
Epaillard said yesterday: “I am very happy. I saw Yuri Mansur in the lead and so tried to be faster. It worked and it is a fantastic day for me. I took a risk and it worked. Al Shaqab has one of the best facilities for horses and riders and I enjoy competing here.”
Frenchman Kevin Staut also made it to the podium as he guided Viking d’La Rousserie to the third fastest time. Viking d’La Rousserie clocked 61.43 seconds to claim the prize of €14,025.
Belgium’s Karel Cox (Evert; 61.64 seconds, €9,350) finished fourth while Ireland’s Shane Breen, astride Golden Hawk, completed the top five in a time of 61.68 seconds. Breen won €6.545.
Earlier in the 1.45m class, Belgium’s Jos Verlooy yesterday emerged winner with Caracas who clocked 33.77 seconds. Verlooy won €6,250.
Verlooy, 23, said: “It was great to win. My horse jumped super. He decided to go faster the first day – that was my plan, so that was good. Al Shaqab has an unbelievable stadium, the facilities are super for the riders and horses. It’s my fourth time here and I really like to come here (to participate). I’m looking forward to the Grand Prix on Saturday.”
Compatriot Geir Gulliksen, astride VDL Groep Quatro, grabbed the second spot in a time of 34.93 seconds. Gulliksen won €5,000.
French rider and a frequent visitor to Qatar, Simon Delestre guided Filou Carlo Zimenquest to the third fastest time of 35.10 seconds. Delestre won €3,750 Great Britain’s Scott Brash finished fourth with Hello Senator (36.08 second, €2,500). Dutch rider Bart Bles (Israel V/D Dennehoeve, 36.16 seconds €1,750) completed the top five out of 12 rides running against the clock.
Qatar’s Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al Thani (Sirocco), Bassem Hassan Mohammed (Argelith Squid), Salmen Sultan Al Suwaidi (Cantaro 32) and Faleh Suwead Al Ajami (Carport) were also seen in action yesterday.
The three-day competition continues today at Al Shaqab Arena. The latest edition of CHI Al Shaqab is witnessing 91 riders and 139 horses from 23 nations featuring in the event, which Al Shaqab is organising for the sixth time.
The riders - whether individual or team - are competing in the Olympic equestrian disciplines of show jumping, dressage, and para dressage during CHI Al Shaqab - the only equestrian competition of its kind in the Middle East and Asia region.
“I would like to extend my appreciation to Al Shaqab for hosting outstanding riders in this great facility and for working in cooperation with the Qatar Equestrian Federation. The results are already bearing fruit – besides encouraging them to aspire towards higher goals, there has been a marked increase in the quality of our riders,” Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah, President of the Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) and Asian Equestrian Federation (QEF), said before the start of the tournament.
Mohammed Sultan Al Suwaidi, Manager, Equine Education Department at Al Shaqab, yesterday said: “Al Shaqab is dedicated to providing the highest level of equestrian education programs and services. The focus of this camp is not merely on improving the height a rider can clear. Besides regular lessons and training sessions, we have lined up several unique activities to help them acquire important leadership and communication skills. Some of the top riders from CHI Al Shaqab 2019 including Scott Brash, Nicola Philippaert, Marlon Zanotelli and Bassem Mohammed will provide a clinic for the participants.” Tickets for the second and final days of
CHI Al Shaqab 2019 are available from www.alshaqab.com and from the venue ticket office.
