DOHA: German rider Daniel Deusser combined with trusted partner Pironella to claim the top prize of €151,000 at Al Shaqab Arena last night.
As the heat of the day faded and the sun set on the stunning Al Shaqab Arena, Deusser and Pironella won the CSI5* 1.55m class ahead of Ireland’s Denis Lynch and All Star 5.
Germany’s Marco Kutscher with the consistent Liberty Son finished in third spot.
Defending Longines GCT Champion Scott Brash of Great Britain was the first rider to jump clear in the first round though many experienced combinations collected four faults, including American No1 Kent Farrington and Uceko, 2014 World Championship Team Silver medallist Simon Delestre of France and Ryan des Hayettes.
Of the 40 starters, 16 went through to the final jump-off.
The World No1 last night once again set the standard as first to go in the jump-off, producing a very classy round with Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham’s exciting up-and-coming mare Hello M’Lady in a time of 38.73secs to eventually take 4th.
Brash has been widely tipped by fellow riders to retain his Championship title today if he can put in a top five finish in the dramatic final Grand Prix of the season.
Drawn late, Marco Kutscher and Denis Lynch did what was needed to each grab the lead for a time, clocking in at 38.43secs and 37.97secs, respectively.
Second last to go, in-form Deusser knew exactly what was required, taking the tightest lines and sharpest turns with his fleet-footed mount to stop the clock at 37.24secs.
With their star Grand Prix horses resting this evening, Championship leader Germany’s Ludger Beerbaumand his closest rival Rolf-Göran Bengtsson of Sweden did not compete yesterday.
Tension is mounting as the last test of the season fast approaches and all eyes will be on the top three, Beerbaum, Brash and Bengtsson, to see who will be named 2014 Champion today evening.
Qatar’s Ali Yousef Al Rumaihi astride Gunder finished in fifth spot yesterday with an impressive time of 39.37secs.
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DOHA: A display of some of the finest Arab horse bloodlines in the world took place last night at Al Shaqab in the spectacular main arena.
Al Shaqab stands as an enduring tribute to the Arabian horse and the tradition of equestrian excellence that has co-evolved with this breed in Qatar.
The range of equine disciplines and programmes that Al Shaqab promotes ensures that the cultural legacy and appreciation of the Arabian breed are lovingly handed down in Qatar from generation to generation.
Between the first round and jump-off of tonight’s CSI5* €151,000 showjumping competition the following Arabian horses were presented:
Mayyasa Al Shaqab - (Al Adeed Al Shaqab X Alhambra El Dakar)
Abha Myra - (Al Adeed Al Shaqab X Gazala Al Shaqab)
Ghasham Al Shaqab - (Marwan Al Shaqab X Ze Ludjkalba)
His Highness The Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani established Al Shaqab in 1992 to enjoy his passion for Arabian horses, to honor the courageous war horses ridden by victorious Qatari knights of the past, and to assure the Arabian horse would continue to play a leading role in the cultural heritage of the Qatari people.
His vision was to increase the number of superior Arabian horses in Qatar, improve the quality of Arabian show horses, and to preserve the finest Arabian horse families of the past.
His greatest hope was for Al Shaqab to make a valuable contribution to the Arabian breed, not only in Qatar, but around the world.
Al Shaqab’s breeding philosophy is to preserve the Arabian breed and to produce horses that are beautiful, athletic, and have great moral character and kindness, experts say.
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