Nasser al-Ghazali boosted his hopes of an overall podium finish as he won the Big Tour class during the 12 and final round of the Longines Qatar – Equestrian Tour Hathab yesterday.
Al-Ghazali was fifth overall going into the final round of action this weekend, but his victory with bay gelding Quel Homme yesterday would surely push him into contention for a podium slot with two more days of showjumping remaining. Al-Ghazali and Quel Homme put on a flawless 62.62-seconds round to clinch the 130/145cm class at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s Indoor Arena.
The best seven results of the total twelve rounds are taken into consideration in deciding the annual champions in various categories. Salman Mohamed al-Emadi was second yesterday with The Toymaker, as the pair completed their round in 65.88secs. Khalid Mohamed al-Emadi, running third in the standings, was third with Zorro Z. Tour leader Hamad Nasser al-Qadi had a disappointing outing yesterday as he finished sixth with S I E C Lonnie.
In the Medium Tour, Mohamed Saeed Haidan continued his impressive show as he romped to victory with his mount Miss Chili. Haidan lying second, four points behind leader Mohamed Khalifa al-Baker, in the overall standings gave himself a huge shot of walking away with the title. Haidan has been in imperious from since the resumption of Hathab, having won the last three rounds. Yesterday, Rashid Towaim al-Marri finished second on Lamm Addiction while Jaber Rashid al-Amri was third on Argelith Squid.
The Small Tour competition saw Mohamed Nasser al-Qadi excel on Galwaybay Merbreaker as he finished in 50.82secs in the (100/115cm) class to take the top podium spot. Khalifa Abdulla al-Khaldi on Dusty was second while Mohamed Nasser al-Qadi on Vlacido finished third.
The second day of the 12th round will continue today while tomorrow will see the grand finale of the annual competition of Hathab in its third year now being initiated by HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President, Qatar Olympic Committee, and which carries a total prize of QR1.2mn.
Results
Big Tour: Table A, One round against the clock, Art. 238.2.1 (130/145cm); Prize-Money: QR15,000
1. Rider: Nasser al-Ghazali; Horse: Quel Homme; Faults: 0; Time: 62.62secs; Prize: QR4,125; 2. Salman Mohamed al-Emadi; The Toymaker; 0; 65.88secs; QR3,375; 3. Khalid Mohamed al-Emadi; Zorro Z; 4; 60.80secs; QR2,625.
Medium Tour: Table A, One round against the clock, Art. 238.2.1 (120/130cm); Prize-Money: QR10,000
1. Rider: Mohamed Saeed Haidan; Horse: Miss Chili; Faults: 0; Time: 58.58secs; Prize: QR2,500; 2. Rashid Towaim al-Marri; Lamm Addiction Z; 0; 59.88secs; QR2,000; 3. Jaber Rashid al-Amri; Argelith Squid L; 0; 61.51secs; QR1,500
Small Tour: Table A, One round against the clock, Art. 238.2.1 (100/115cm) Prize-Money QR5,000
1 Rider: Mohamed Nasser al-Qadi; Horse: Galwaybay Merbreaker; Faults: 0; Time:50.82secs; Prize: QR1,250; 2. Khalifa Abdulla al-Khaldi; Dusty; 0; 51.77secs; QR1,000’ 3. Mohamed Nasser al-Qadi; Vlacido; 0; 51.78secs; QR750
Mohamed Saeed Haidan continued his impressive show as he romped to victory in Medium Tour, with his mount Miss Chili.
