Omar Al Mannai, Commercial manager, Al Shaqab, speaks during a press briefing yesterday.
Hosting the season finale of the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) has helped Qatari riders rub shoulders with the best riders in the world, a top official said yesterday.
The season's final round will be held at Al Shaqab Arena from November 3 to 5.
Omar Al Mannai, Commercial manager, Al Shaqab, said yesterday: "It is very important for us that the Qatari riders benefit from this competition. Not just the riders but even the organizing teams must benefit from these events. We have to look at animal care. We have riders from the UAE and Oman competing this year for the first time. In addition to that, we are trying to promote the level of competition. We want to be the leaders in this sport, not just from an organisational point of view but in terms of performances as well." Al Mannai said Qatar wants to lead the world in equestrian.
"Qatar is always looking for the best. We have a partnership with Jan Tops. This makes us wanting to go for the top at this event or in the future," Al Mannai said.
"I expect to see comprehensive development when it comes to our riding. The riders have won and done well in the recent past. They are competing with the best in the world.
"If you remember Sheikh Ali, he could have been on the podium at the Olympic Games. Qatar is doing a lot for this sport at individual or collective level. We wish to see them (Qatari riders) at the highest level. We just need luck to achieve more," Al Mannai said. "As I said we are looking for the best. We want to train our young people. The level is high. This will be an additional thing for us," he said.
Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al Thani, Qatar's premier rider, said: "Of course, we are honoured to have this event here. It will be broadcast the world over. We should have more than one event of this kind. We need to have young riders participating in youth classes so they get experience."
