Abdulaziz Khalid al-Bukhari astride GI Molga won the Future Riders 100cm class as His Highness The Amir Sword Festival for showjumping and dressage began on Thursday at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s outdoor arena.
The three-day championship carries a total prize money of QR500000, with the feature event – Big Tour – scheduled for Saturday. The winner of the Amir Sword will also be awarded a brand new car. Thursday, the mandatory veterinary checks and familiarization session was held.
The event is being held in accordance with the rules and regulations of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI). Strict Covid-19 prevention protocols is being followed with only 10 percent of fan attendance being allowed at the venue
Thursday, al-Bukhari was in the fine form as the young rider registered a fastest and faultless time of 31.31secs and 22.23secs with GI Molga to top the class.
In second place was Mohamed Ibrahim al-Hor astride Hero as the pair finished in 32.12secs & 22.92secs. Following them in third were Saif Mohamed al-Kaabi on Calva Z (29.37secs & 23.77secs).
Earlier in the Future Riders 85cm class, Jassim Adel al-Saegh riding Joly’s Arno emerged fastest in 28.06secs and 21.55secs to claim the first place. Hadi Mansour al-Shahwani on Kashmir came second, while Hadi Nasser Al Hajri finished third.
Meanwhile, President of Qatar and Asian Equestrian Federations and Vice-Chairman, Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC) Hamad Abdulrahman al-Attiyah said that His Highness the Amir Sword Festival is the most prestigious and glamorous equestrian event for all equestrian enthusiasts in Qatar.
Al-Attiyah felt that every year there is a fierce competition to win this prestigious title, pointing out that the riders have prepared well to compete as they participated in the Longines Hathab championship rounds organized by the federation in cooperation with Al Shaqab, member, Qatar Foundation, indicating that the honouring ceremony Saturday will be held jointly with Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) at Al Rayyan Park.
Al-Attiyah thanked the wise leadership for the continued support to Qatari equestrian, adding that the Qatar Equestrian Federation works according to the directives of HE President of Qatar Olympic Committee Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani.
Al-Attiyah also expressed his thanks to the sponsors of HH The Amir Sword Festival -- Vodafone Qatar, Baladna, Lexus, Al Emadi Enterprises, and Qatar National Bank.
Meanwhile, Abdullah Mohamed al-Marri, Director of Future Riders said the equestrian class offers a bright future to youngsters. “We witnessed great competitions in the first and second levels. The riders are constantly evolving to serve as a strong reserve for the current stars. Their talents emerge through the championship.
Al Marri also praised the families' support for their children for allowing them to train despite the stressful pandemic time. Over 100 riders are taking part in the Festival being held coordination with the Ministry of Public Health with tight precautionary measures against the spread of new coronavirus (COVID-19).
The festival is a great opportunity for Qatari riders to prepare for the upcoming international competitions besides the CHI Al Shaqab International Championship and the Longines International Equestrian Tour to be held this month and in the first week of March.
Results
Future Riders | Table A, Two Phases, Art. 274.1.5.3 | 85/100cm
1. Rider: Abdulaziz Khalid al-Bukhari; Horse: GI Molga; Faults: 0; Time: 31.31secs; Faults: 0; Time: 22.23secs
2. Mohamed Ibrahim al-Hor; Hero; 0; 32.12secs; 0; 22.92secs
3. Saif Mohamed al-Kaabi; Calva Z; 0; 29.37secs; 0; 23.77secs.
Future Riders | Table A, Two Phases, Art. 274.1.5.3 | 70/85cm
1. Jassim Adel al-Saegh; Joly's Arno; 0; 28.06secs; 0; 21.55secs
2. Hadi Mansour al-Shahwani; Kashmir; 0; 31.02secs; 0; 23.93secs
3. Hadi Nasser al-Hajri; Ilse; 0; 30.05secs; 0; 24.43secs.
Friday’s schedule
Small Tour: Table A, One round against the clock (100/120cm): 2pm
Medium Tour: Table A, One round against the clock (120/135cm): 5.45pm
Big Tour: Table A, One round against the clock (135/145cm): 7.30pm
Saturday
Dressage: Level 1, Medium: 9am
Dressage: Level 2, Premium: 10.15am
Big Tour: Table A, Two rounds (135/145cm): 2pm
Small Tour: Table A, Two rounds (100/120cm): 4pm
Medium Tour: Table A, Two Rounds (120/135cm): 7pm.
