Thrilling Conclusion to the Al Shira’aa International Horse Show

The Al Shira’aa International Horse Show wrapped up its penultimate day with the breathtaking Al Shira’aa Hickstead Speed Derby. This event showcased high-paced equestrian drama, captivating the audience with bold performances and exceptional horsemanship.

A Unique Challenge from the Derbys of Hickstead

Resonating with the illustrious traditions of the Derby events in Hickstead and Hamburg, this class made a triumphant return to the UAE schedule thanks to Al Shira’aa’s longstanding partnership with the heritage class in the UK. Riders faced a demanding rustic course designed to test speed, accuracy, and the nerve to make swift, courageous decisions.

Standout Performances in the Speed Derby

Sophie Hinners of Germany set a formidable tone early on with her swift ride aboard Come Away Flamingo Z. Her impressive round not only laid down the gauntlet but also earned her a commendable second-place finish. However, it was French competitor Inès Joly who truly stole the spotlight, sprinting to victory on Faylinn de Fondcombe with an astonishing time of 108.65 seconds. Rounding out the top three was Syria’s Shady Ghrayeb, who, despite accruing four penalties, still managed to deliver one of the fastest rounds on Cabernet de Mars, securing third place.

Emerging Talent: The CSI Juniors

Before the excitement of the Speed Derby, the competitions kicked off in Arena Two with the CSI Juniors class, supported by Prestige. Young riders displayed remarkable skill in the one-round-against-the-clock format. Eighteen-year-old Ali Shehab Alrahman earned top honors on Let It Be Again, completing a flawless round in 54.76 seconds. He was closely followed by compatriot Saud Mohamed Almaeeni on Kartouche MZ, while Saleh Muffrej Ali Mohamed Alkari wrapped up the podium in third place with Dion Z.

Qualifying Future Stars: The CSIYH 6-Year-Old Classic Final

Later in the day, the CSIYH 6-Year-Old Classic Final showcased the potential of the next generation of equine athletes. Eight of the twelve finalists advanced to the jump-off, but it was Saif Owaida Mohammed Alkirbi who emerged victorious aboard Pink Floyd V&V, finishing in an impressive 39.19 seconds. Al Shira’aa’s Spanish rider, Agusti Sastre Caballero, took second place with Pablo Escobar KJV, while Salim Khamis Al Suwaidi claimed third on Doubel Ble.

Diego López, operations manager at K.AR Sport Horses, praised the quality of young horses competing, emphasizing their rideability and consistency. He expressed enthusiasm for continuing their support in alignment with Al Shira’aa’s commitment to nurturing future talent in equestrian sports.

The Enthralling CSI Children’s Class

The enthusiasm didn’t wane in the CSI Children’s Class, supported by Al Forsan International Sports Resort, where young riders faced off in the 1.15m Two-Phase Special. Four competitors achieved faultless rounds, with Hasan Majed Sultan Al Awani Alnuaimi clinching victory aboard Charly Braun with a time of 26.05 seconds. Zaid Khalaf from Jordan and Emirati Ayesha Saeed Al Ghurair followed closely in the rankings.

High Stakes: The CSI2* Grand Prix

Shifting attention to Arena One, the CSI2* Grand Prix presented additional high-stakes competition. Thirty-five riders took on a challenging 1.45m course designed by Elio Travagliati. In a dramatic jump-off, Great Britain’s Katie Speller outpaced Saudi Arabia’s Ramzy Al Duhami, achieving a double clear in a swift 37.84 seconds on her mount Z7 Pink Panther. Egypt’s Mohamed Ashraf Abdallah rounded out the podium in third place, showcasing impressive skill with his horse Nik Nak DB.

Luc Schelstraete, Managing Partner of Schelstraete Equine Law, lauded the event, stating the exceptional calibre of riders and the technical challenges of the course significantly contributed to an outstanding event atmosphere.

Showcasing Amateur Talent with the CSI-AM 1.10m

In the CSI-AM 1.10m section, amateur riders had their moment to shine. Rawad Saad of Lebanon once again proved his dominance, winning aboard Sydney van het Oosthof. Emirati rider Khalifa Hamdan Abdulla Al Jahouri and Egyptian Omar Ahmed Taha followed in second and third, respectively, showcasing diverse talent from across the region.

Under 25 Equestrians Take Center Stage

The afternoon also featured competitions for Under 25 riders, navigating a challenging course designed to test their skills. Amidst initial setbacks, four Emirati riders advanced to the jump-off, where Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi set a benchmark time of 32.12 seconds. However, Abdalla Hamad Ali Al Kirbi surpassed expectations with an electrifying performance on Georgina Z, snatching the win with a time that left spectators thrilled. Mohammed Saeed Al Ghurair secured third place, highlighting the depth of talent in the region.

A Grand Finale Ahead

The excitement continues as the Al Shira’aa Show gears up for its final day on Sunday, featuring the highly anticipated Al Shira’aa Longines CSI4*-W Diamond Tour FEI World Cup Grand Prix, boasting a remarkable €320,000 prize fund. Equestrian enthusiasts are in for a thrilling conclusion to this prestigious event.