The first round of the Al Shaqab International Showjumping League began on Friday, with riders delivering thrilling performances on the opening day at Longines Indoor Arena at Al Shaqab. Hussain Said Haidan demonstrated his skill to win Friday’s marquee event, the CSI1 Al Shaqab Champions (Open Class) 130cm, riding Viahipi d’Auzay to a flawless time of 29.30 seconds.
The podium was dominated by Qatar, with Fahad Jassim al-Thani securing second place after completing the course in 32.16 seconds aboard Ambre de Beaufour. Mohammed Yousef al-Jaber, riding Serendipity, took third place with a time of 32.26 seconds.
Qatar’s Sultan Salem al-Naemi, astride Cethys de Vernay, reigned supreme in the CSIY-B Youth Champions 125cm, clocking a flawless 41.80 seconds in the second and decisive phase. Saad Ahmed al-Saad, astride Craquante de Mazin, secured the silver medal for Qatar with an error-free 42.63 seconds in the second and decisive phase.
Saudi Arabia’s Abdulaziz Fahad al-Eid, riding nine-year-old Proud, followed closely with a time of 42.94 seconds in the second phase, earning third place. Head of the Horse Riding Academy Karam Syed Majid Hamad al-Husny honoured the winners of 125cm class.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Hasan al-Hady emerged as the winner of the CSIJ-B Junior 115cm event, partnering with Capoen.
The duo posted impressive times of 34.26 seconds and 32.98 seconds in the two phases to secure the top spot. Qatar’s Fahad Jassim al-Thani, riding Hazel de Luxe, finished in second place after clocking 33.57 seconds and 33.27 seconds in his rounds. Another home rider, Mohammed Jassim al-Thani, aboard Cattleya Plassay, claimed third place with times of 38.43 seconds and 40.41 seconds.
Also on Friday, Qatar’s Abdulaziz Jassim al-Thani teamed up with Gabbana M to deliver a stellar performance in the CSICh-B Future Champions 105cm event, winning the title with a time of 30.49 seconds in the second phase. Fellow Qatari rider Sharida Nasser al-Kaabi, riding the 14-year-old Famous, finished second in 33.86 seconds, while Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed al-Mutairi earned third place with Baccarat d’Azur after a time of 35.77 seconds.
In Intro. 3 Optimum Time – 80 cm class, Abdulla Faisal al-Mana claimed victory, completing the course in a perfect 73.33 seconds aboard seven-year-old Al Sadd on Friday.
Rashid Abdulaziz al-Torki, riding Faradiba, posted a time of 72.55 seconds to secure second place, while Aisha Jassim al-Sorour took third with a time of 75.74 seconds aboard Geale.
Earlier, Abdulaziz Nayef al-Hajri set the tone for an exciting opening day by delivering a flawless routine with Vegas in the Intro. 1 Optimum Time – 40cm class, finishing in 53.99 seconds to win the gold medal.
Abzulaziz Mohamed al-Asmakh, riding Pedro, claimed the silver medal, while Jabr Abdulrahman al-Muftah, also aboard Pedro, took home the bronze.
The opening round of the competition will conclude on Saturday, with seven titles yet to be decided, including the highly anticipated Al Shaqab Champions 135 cm class.
The first round of the Al Shaqab International Showjumping League serves as a qualifier for the FEI Group Seven Championship Final, with competitions in the Junior, Young Rider, and Youth categories.