Scott Brash of Great Britain guides Ursula XII over an obstacle on his way to win the CSI5* event at the CHI Al Shaqab yesterday. Pictures by Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
British Olympic star Scott Brash yesterday guided Ursula XII to a spectacular Doha Grand Prix win on the final day at 2017 CHI Al Shaqab.
The 31-year-old showjumping star was in the saddle when Ursula XII clocked a winning time of 45.21 seconds. Brash walked off the Al Shaqab Arena with a whopping prize bag of €165,000 after receiving the winner's trophy from Qatar Olympic Committee President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani.
Turkish riding giant Omar Karaevli - astride Roso Au Crosnier - finished second in a time of 45.98 seconds. Karaevli won €100,000.
In third place was Spanish rider Pilar Lucrecia Cordon who was riding with Galine La Cour Zichelhof (44.46 seconds) in the jump-off segment of the 1.60cm class. The third-place finish was worth €52,500.
About the big prize, Brash said: "With all the upkeep of the horses, the money goes away quite quickly. I couldn't be happier with Ursula's performance tonight in Qatar. This top mare delivered three spectacular clear rounds to take the win.
"We have some very good horses including one bred by my father so I am looking ahead," Brash said.
"Obviously it has been a great week for me and my horse," Brash said after the final competition. "Ursula ran superbly today. I am excited about us doing so well," Brash said.
"Our next event is in Stuttgart. We are feeling good about it. I have been riding since January and I feel confident about my riding at the moment," he added.
Earlier in the day, Saudi riding giant Ramzy Hamad Al Duhami sailed to an easy win in competition 9 on day three of the championship.
Al Duhami, astride High Quality J, topped the 1.30cm class in a time of 46.79 seconds. The win was worth €3,000 to Al Duhami.
Even the wet weather yesterday was not much of a bother to the Saudi giant.
Speaking after his win which came towards the end of the class, Al Duhami said: “It’s great to get the break on the last day. I guess my horse didn’t mind the weather as he jumped really well. I have had a good year so far and I hope to continue that and aim for 5* next year."
Colombian rider Andres Penalosa finished second in a time of 47.51 seconds with Tenor de Rouhet and it was Qatari rider Jabber Rashid Al Amri who finished in third with Canavaro de Muze (E.T). His time was 48.47 seconds.
Khalifa Al Attiya, President of CHI Al Shaqab and Executive Director of Shaqab, yesterday said: "This year's CHI Shaqab was the best yet, with both the riders and their horses living up to their world-class status."
He added: "All disciplines at CHI Al Shaqab have provided excellent competition, which is befitting an event that has attracted the world’s top riders for five years. CHI Al Shaqab is an important event for the local community as well, and we were pleased to see so many families enjoying the Festival Area.
"This year’s CHI Al Shaqab has truly had something for everyone. Qatar has a strong equestrian heritage, and we are proud to help preserve that important part of our culture through CHI Al Shaqab," Al Attiyah said.
