CHI Al Shaqab: Ehning begins Qatar campaign on winning note

 

The Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines:

 

Day 1 sees a record-breaking Para-Dressage performance, two wins for local riders, and the first of the 5-star Jumping winners.

 

23 February 2023 – Doha, Qatar. The USA’s Kate Shoemaker, riding Quiana, was the overall winner of the Para-Dressage Grand Prix CPEDI3* on the first of three days of world-class equestrian sport at the Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines 2023. The American rider’s final score was a remarkable 76.250% – her personal best on this horse in the Grand Prix A test.

Honoured by the presence of HH The Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani – who founded Al Shaqab back in 1992 – as well as a visit from HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Al Shaqab Chairperson, 10^th edition of Qatar’s premier international equestrian competition got underway at the magnificent Longines Arena, Al Shaqab. 

The Para-Dressage (CPEDI 3*) winner, Kate Shoemaker has been building an ever-closer relationship with her 9-year-old mare for the past year, since they first performed together at the 2022 CHI AL SHAQAB. En route, they even took a silver medal at the World Championships in Herning, Denmark – though the young mare had never actually been intended as Kate’s ride there, but instead replaced her older horse in a late substitution.  

A Grade IV para-athlete with a degree of motor control disfunction, Kate has been making a great impact with Quiana – whose name, fittingly, means ‘graceful one’. The pair are now targeting next year’s Paris Paralympics where, thanks in part to this result, they should be among the favourites. Second and third place here went to Demi Haerkens of the Nertherlands and Manon Claeys of Belgium, respectively.

Speaking to the media, Kate said: “It went amazingly well today and Quiana performed beautifully for me. It’s not easy for horses coming from the cold of Europe to adjust to the heat here, so we let her rest as much as possible, to be sure she was ready for the competition. I’m thrilled to have come out on top.”

The first of the CSI5* jumping events, held over a course of 1.45m fences, was won by Ireland’s experienced showjumper, Shane Breen, riding his mare Haya to a clear round in a best time of 30.84 secs. The Irishman finished ahead of France’s Kevin Staut (31.12 secs), riding Dialou Blue PS, and Brazil’s Francisco José Mesquita Musa (31.60 secs) on Carte de Blue PS Marathon.

Shane commented: “I am delighted with this result. Since Haya is quick and has a long stride, I felt this well-spread course layout would suit her. She has the heart of a lion and is super smart, super careful. I have to say that the facilities and canter track here are second-to-none. It’s a great venue, with perfect weather!”

In the day’s final event – CSI 5*, 1.50m fences – last year’s Grand Prix-winning pair again took first place: Germany’s Marcus Ehning on Stargold (63.52 secs) was followed by the placed athletes from the earlier class – Francisco José Mesquita Musa (63.67 secs), this time on Catch me Marathon, and Kevin Staut (64.24 secs), riding Chepetta.

Marcus said: “My horse loves this arena! Today he made a very good start and we were able to build on that and go on to win. I’m very pleased. Stargold is an 11-year-old stallion with a strong personality and I’m so proud of him and his achievements.”

Earlier, the day’s competition had begun with a remarkable Qatari 1-2-3 finish in the 2-star Showjumping class (CSI 2*) over 1.30m fences. In first place was local athlete Mohammed Saeed Haidan, riding his 15-year-old grey mare, Miss Chilli. Runner-up was Ghanim Nasser AlQadi, riding Quick Step, while third place went to Saeed Hamad S H Juma on Ambre de Beaufort.

After his victory, Mohammed commented: “It feels great to win the first event – to stand on the podium and hear the Qatari national anthem. This mare is a very special horse, now that she has her confidence over the water jumps. That took time and patience in training, but the hard work has paid off. I’m very happy.”

In the 1.45m jumping category (CSI 2* class), top honours went to Qatar’s Bassem Mohammed on his 12-year-old bay stallion, Asia – ahead of Saudi Arabia’s Kamal Abdullah Bahamdan, on Kwikly, and fellow Qatari, Faleh Suwaed Al Ajamai, riding Ghana.

The winner, Bassem, spoke after the event: “This horse is a new ride for me, so I was pleased to do so well today. He’s a good horse – we really ‘clicked’ and he made my life easy. CHI AL SHAQAB is one of my favourite competitions, being at home in Doha. So, to win here means a lot to me.”

In addition to the great sporting action, guests enjoyed a wide range of entertainments, including stilt-walkers, street performers and a supercar exhibition, as well as high-quality food and beverage options from the various restaurants and cafés present.

All of this added to an exciting festival atmosphere at the Longines Arena – which also welcomed parties from three local schools, whose pupils enjoyed the equestrian competition, as well as games in the entertainment area.

During the event, daily bulletins are available on the Al Shaqab website (www.alshaqab.com) to keep everyone up to date with the latest news on events, results and winning riders.

Tickets for the second and third days can be purchased at www.q-tickets.com or on arrival at the venue.