For Vladimir Tuganov, age is no barrier. At 56, the Russian rider is
still going strong and is giving the youngsters a run for their money.
Yesterday at the Qatar Federation Federation’s outdoor arena, Tuganov
proved too good for his opponents as he guided his stallion Suspens
Floreval to a commanding win in the 145 cm class at the Qatar
International Show Jumping Championship.
Qatar’s young riders Salmeen Sultan al-Suwaidi astride Cantaro 32 and
Hamad al-Attiyah riding Clinton did their best but had to settle for
second and third place respectively.
Last night’s main event was a dress rehearsal for tonight’s FEI World
Cup competition and Tuganov laid down the gauntlet to his rivals with a
supreme show. With the riders being allowed to ride with two horses,
Tuganov was in with a chance to take two podium spots. But the two-time
Olympian finished fourth with his another horse, nine-year-old Qualidam,
missing out on a double podium.
The 11-year-old Suspens Floreval was not to deny Tuganov a victory
though. Tuganov, who is on his fourth visit to Doha, made best use of
his knowledge of the conditions as he marshalled Suspens Floreval around
the course in a fastest time of 72.74 seconds. The victory made Tuganov
richer by €15,450.
Al-Suwaidi put in an excellent round with 17-year-old gelding Cantaro,
but the pair fell short of the winning time by a mere 0.17 seconds.
Their time of 72.91 seconds gave them a runner-up finish and al-Suwaidi a
pursue of €12,360. The third place went to Hamad al-Attiyah and
10-year-old gelding Clinton in 73.04 seconds, which earned home rider
€9,270.
“It was a great competition,” Tuganov said. “I am happy to have done so
well. I am always confident going into a competition. I was good in the
jump-off. The obstacles went smooth. This is my fourth time here in Doha
and it feels good to have won here,” the Moscow resident said. Earlier,
Qatari riders swept the podium in the 135 cm class. Mubarak Yousuf
al-Rumaihi topped the timesheets with Siec Cosmos Wijngaardhoeve Z,
cruising home in 35.68 secs.
The second place went to Hamad Nasser al-Qadi (St. Lucia), while Awad
Alqahtani (Gerenice Of Colors) took third sport. In the day’s opening
event, 120 cm class, Qatar took the first two spots. Ghanim Nasser
al-Qadi on Fudine emerged triumphant ahead of compatriot, Mohammed Salem
al-Marri on Gin Tonic Van De Kranenburg. Indonesia’s Ferry Wahyu
Hadiyanto completed the podium with Looping 46.
Winner Vladimir Tuganov (background centre), second-placed Salmeen Sultan al-Suwaidi (left) and third-placed Hamad al-Attiyah pose with QEF president Hamad Al Attiyah (front left) and Col. Usman Nasir, Executive Board Member of Equestrian Federation of Pakistan. PICTURE: Lotfi Garsi