Qatar's Mohammed K. Al Baker guides Dukhan over a fence during the CSI5* – 1.40m event.
DOHA: Nadja Peter Steiner and Nice Van’T Zorgvliet claimed top honours with an outstanding performance at Longines Outdoor Arena yesterday as Tour 2 of H H The Father Amir’s Prix 2026 got underway.
The Swiss star and the 13-year-old mare displayed blistering speed to win the feature CSI5* 1.50m Faults & Time, completing a clear round in 59.30 seconds.
They edged out Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano, who posted 59.54 seconds aboard gelding Esteban de Hus to finish second. Saudi Arabia’s Abdulrahman Alrajhi, riding Ventago, was third in 60.35 seconds.
“It was an amazing round. Nice Van’T Zorgvliet is a fighter, and everything worked perfectly today,” said Steiner.
On beating ace Gaudiano, she added: “This is the biggest victory because being faster than him is very difficult. I will try to win as many titles as we can in Doha.”
Swiss rider Nadja Peter Steiner and Nice Van’T Zorgvliet in action during the CSI5* – 1.50m event.
Earlier, Qatari riders excelled in the CSI5* 1.40m Two Phases. Mohammed K. Al Baker, riding nine-year-old Dukhan 3, emerged victorious with a clear round in 23.68 seconds in the second phase. Another home rider, Ghanim Nasser Al Qadi, aboard mare Isis, finished second in 24.61 seconds, while France’s Megane Moissonnier on Chacarija PS was third in 24.86 seconds.
“Winning here at Al Shaqab means a lot,” said Al Baker.
“Riding at home, you really feel the support from the crowd, and Dukhan 3 was with me all the way today. We stayed focused in both phases, and I’m pleased with how he responded and how the round came together.”
In the CSI3* 1.40m Two Phases, Gaudiano partnered with Diarouge Blue PS to claim victory in 24.35 seconds. The podium was dominated by Italian riders: Roberto Previtali, aboard Diasandro Blue, was second in 25.79 seconds, while Gaudiano also took third place on Equine America Ivanhoe Gph in 25.83 seconds.
The CSI3* 1.35m Special Two-Phase saw an Egyptian one-two. Ismail Osama El Borai, riding Incredible Z, claimed first in 26.86 seconds, followed by Mustafa Saed on Kalliope Lvp Z in 28.69 seconds. Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Alasaker, aboard Scoobylensky Theyss, finished third in 29.19 seconds.
“Last week I was very close, but something always went wrong, so to start this weekend with a win in the first competition feels amazing. It was also my first five-star class this evening, so it’s a positive start,” said El Borai.
“Incredible Z was excellent today – he’s a very careful horse and very quick, so when we put in a good round, we’re usually right there on the podium.”
The 2nd Indoor Arena delivered thrilling action as Saudi Arabia’s Bader Alfard, riding Kimberly, won the CSI3* 1.25m Faults & Time in 58.61 seconds.
His countryman Mohammed Alasaker on Tinto de Nuit Z was second in 58.77 seconds, while Qatar’s Suhaim Hamad Al Yafei, riding Flash du Puits, completed the podium in 59.31 seconds.
Meanwhile, Ali Oman A H Al Ansari continued his strong run at Al Shaqab, winning the CSI1* 1.10m Special Two-Phase on Nikita Eindeken Z in 28.48 seconds.
He was followed by Saudi riders Prince Mohamed Al Saud on Haroon (30.12 seconds) and Salem Balharith on Lovina (30.94 seconds).
At the Longines Indoor Arena, Egypt’s Abdallah Haitham and stallion Consagros were unbeatable in the CSI1* 1.20m Faults & Time, clocking 54.53 seconds.
Qatar’s Ibrahim Yousuf Al Mahmoud, aboard Perle Van Dorperheide, was second in 55.87 seconds, while Mohammed Aldalaan on Sarina Del Valle was third in 56.31 seconds.
The National Competition 0.60m Optimum Time was won by Almaha Mansoor Al Sulaitin on Brooklyn. Shamma Alhitmi riding Zorro Z and Abdullah Bahamdan on Irbal finished second and third respectively.
Action continues on the second day with 10 events across all three arenas at Al Shaqab, with the CSI5* Six Bar Competition 1.50m as the marquee event.
