Doha: Last year’s Amir’s Sword winner Hamad Nasser Al Qadi warmed up for today’s prestigious event in style as he claimed the Big Tour class on the second day of HH The Amir Sword Equestrian Festival yesterday.
At the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s outdoor arena, Al Qadi produced a clear round with 14-year-old stallion Andreas SPB Z in 74.05 seconds to emerge victorious in the 135/145cm class.
Rashid Towaim Al Marri, astride nine-year-old Navaronne, had registered the fastest time of 72.33 seconds, but a four-second penalty for knocking down a hurdle pushed him to third place.
Nasser Al Ghazali, riding Quel Homme, was second after clocking 80.76 seconds.
After yesterday’s win, Al Qadi had his eyes set on Amir’s Sword as he looked for an encore. The 26-year-old, however, expected a tough fight from his rivals with Nasser Al Ghazali and his brother Saeed Nasser Al Qadi among the contenders.
“It was a good victory for me today, but the one that matters is tomorrow. There are two rounds of competition and all riders are ready to fight for the Amir’s Sword. I’ll give my best but it’ll be a difficult fight,” said Al Qadi.
Today’s Big Tour champion will be awarded the Amir’s Sword, QR65,000 and a luxury car. The Medium Tour has a total prize of QR75,000 and the Small Tour QR50,000.
Meanwhile, Faris Saad Al Qahtani won the Medium Tour yesterday with 10-year-old mare Hidiene. The two combined to finish the round in 70.21 seconds to top the 120/135 cm class. In second place was. Sheikh Khalifa Al Thani (Serendipity, 73.67 secs), while Mohamed Abdulla Juma (Lucratief, 78.10 secs) finished third.
The Small Tour title was won by Abdulrahman Eisa Al Bukhari yesterday. Al Bukhari finished the round with Irschi in 61.17 seconds to narrowly beat Jassim Al Jaham Al Kuwari, astride Equinoxe De L’aulne, who clocked 61.79 seconds. Mohamed Jamal Al Derbesti was third with Numero Uno – T in 62.40 seconds.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Ahmed bin Noah Al Thani, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Amir Sword Showjumping Championship, said all preparations were in place to conduct today’s marquee event.
“The championship has begun on a right note as we saw some high level of competition from the riders. Tomorrow’s will be another exciting day as the riders will be keen to lay their hands on the prestigious Amir’ Sword. It’s an ambition of every rider to win the Amir’s Sword, so the competition is expected to be close,” he said.
