Saudi Arabia’s Alsharbatly shines as Doha Tour ends

Doha, Qatar: Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Alsharbatly last night gave a fitting end to Doha International Equestrian Tour Championship 2024, clinching the CS15* - 1.60m Grand Prix title with exciting jump-off victory at Al Shaqab’s Outdoor Arena.

After an error-free opening round, Alsharbatly, who was astride gelding Alamo, clocked 39.43 secs in the jump off to edge Santiago Lambre and pocket the winner’s purse of €77,150. Partnering with stallion Chacco Blue II, Brazil’s Lambre had to content with runner-up position with his time of 40.09 secs, collecting a cheque of €61,720.

Denmark’s Rikker Belinda Barker, riding 12-year-old Tabalou PS, finished the jump-off in 41.78 secs to secure a podium finish and a prize of €46,290.

Qatar Equestrian Federation President Bader Al Darwish presents the winner's trophy to Abdullah Alsharbatly. 

Earlier, on the last day of third and final round, French rider Simon Delestre in company with I Amelusina R 51 topped the CS15* - 1.50m class with a time of 62.59 secs followed by Austrian Gerfried Puck, who rode Equitron Ornaat V, to second place with a time of 63.58 secs. Liechtenstein’s Jennifer Hochstadter teamed up with Golden Lady to take third position completing the course in 64.52 secs.

The CS15* - 1.40m class witnessed Japan’s Mike Kawai and gelding Saxo de La Cour winning the title with a flawless show of 32.40 secs in the jump-off. Italy’s Roberto Previtali on Hachiko was second with 29.85 secs (four penalties) while Jordan’s Ibrahim Hani Bisharat was third fastest in 31.60 secs (four penalties) as he partnered with mare Henriette.

Meanwhile, home fans also relished a victory as Qatari rider Faleh Suwead Al Ajami claimed the CS12* - 1.35m class victory with Steyburn after a perfect round of 51.19 secs.

Also yesterday, Denmark’s Rikke Belinda Barker (Pico Hcc) was victorious in CS12* - 1.45m class while Ireland’s Lee Carey (Careful Habibty) grabbed top honours in CS12* - 1.20m class.