2023 FBMA International Show Jumping Cup: A Highlight of Equestrian Excellence

A Royal Presence

His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, graced the fourth day of the 13th FBMA International Show Jumping Cup in Abu Dhabi, presenting the prestigious prize to Britain’s William Funnell, who emerged as the winner of the coveted Longines Grand Prix category.

Event Organization

The event is organized by the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, held under the esteemed patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, known as the “Mother of the Nation.” Sheikha Fatima is also the Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation. Her efforts are further supported by Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who serves as the Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi Ladies Club, and Al Ain Ladies Club.

Ceremony Attendance

On that day, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan was accompanied by several dignitaries, including Her Excellency Dr. Omniyat Al-Hajri, Vice Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, and Mr. Najib Kiwan, the Regional Brand Manager of Longines for the Middle East and North Africa. The event also welcomed key figures such as Matar Rashed Binjabr Alsuwaidi, CEO of Al Forsan International Sports Resort, and His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, a board member of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy.

The Grand Prix Victory

William Funnell clinched victory in the One Round (145cms) category—the last event of the day—by delivering an impeccable performance aboard his horse, Equine America Billy Picador. He completed the round in a remarkable time of 73.17 seconds, securing his top spot above UAE’s Mohammad Al Ghurair and Sweden’s Antonia Pettersson Haggstrom, who finished in second and third, respectively.

Funnell’s triumph came with a share of the significant prize pool of EUR 28,200, which he acknowledged while praising the event organizers for their efforts in elevating the sport within the UAE.

“I am very happy to win the Grand Prix and it’s great to achieve this with my horse, Equine America Billy Picador,” he remarked. “Since moving to the UAE seven years ago, I’ve witnessed a tremendous improvement in the equestrian standards. The rising number of participants in the sport is impressive. FBMA is doing fantastic work in promoting equestrianism and providing more opportunities for growth, and the standards continue to rise. I genuinely believe the sport will flourish even further here.”

Additional Competition Highlights

Aside from the Grand Prix, several other categories took place earlier on Friday. Spain’s Agusti Sastre Caballero won gold in the One Round with Jump Off (120cms) category, with UAE’s Mabkhout Owaida Alkirbi securing second place, while Syria’s Mohamad Osama Al Zabibi completed the podium in third.

In the One Round with Jump Off (130cms) category, Syria’s Shady Ghrayeb claimed victory ahead of UAE’s Omar Abdulaziz Almarzooqi and Humaid Abdullah Khalifa Almheiri, who finished in silver and bronze positions, respectively.

Furthermore, in the Two Phases (130cms), Syria dominated with Mohamad Mogheeth Al Shehab and Mohamad Osama Al Zabibi finishing in first and second place, while UAE’s Salim Ahmed Alsuwaidi earned the bronze medal.

Upcoming Events

The Fatima Bint Mubarak International Show Jumping Cup will continue with a national event scheduled for Sunday, promising even more thrilling equestrian action. The event highlights the growing equestrian community within the UAE and emphasizes its commitment to fostering local and international talent in the sport.