DOHA: Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano continued his stellar form at the prestigious H H The Amir Sword Festival, claiming victory in the CSI5* – Faults & Time – 1.50m showjumping class on Friday at the magnificent Longines Arena, Al Shaqab.
Riding his grey gelding Chalou’s Love PS, Gaudiano delivered a flawless round in 66.85 seconds to secure the top prize of €14,250. Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Alsharbatly, astride bay stallion Boeckmanns Lord Pezi Junior, finished a close second with a time of 67.25 seconds, while Great Britain’s Ellen Whitaker claimed third place aboard bay mare Korlenski, clocking 67.53 seconds.
The winners were honored by Sheikh Mohammed bin Fahad Al Thani, representing Doha Bank, and Sheikh Ahmad bin Nooh Al Thani, Secretary-General of the Qatar Equestrian Federation and a member of the organizing committee.
Annett Triumphs in CSI5* – 1.45m Class
The CSI5* – Faults & Time – 1.45m category witnessed a thrilling contest, with Great Britain’s Jane Annett clinching first place. Riding chestnut mare Impala, she recorded the fastest clear round at 68.54 seconds. Ukrainian Anastasia Bondarieva, aboard dark chestnut mare Virunga H Z, finished second in 71.00 seconds, while fellow Briton Millie Allen secured third place with a time of 71.34 seconds on black mare E-Maitresse Tvh Z.
Abdel Said Seizes CSI3-W 1.50m Title
Belgium’s Abdel Said emerged victorious in the CSI3*-W – FEI World Cup – Two Rounds – 1.50m class, delivering impressive times of 80.45 and 41.62 seconds aboard chestnut mare Arpege du RU.
Germany’s Janne F. Meyer-Zimmermann, riding chestnut mare Iron Dames High Level, secured second place (80.48 & 43.50 seconds), while France’s Antoine Ermann, on bay gelding Odin Van ‘T Hanegoor, finished third (81.44 & 44.19 seconds).
Delighted with his triumph, Said praised the event’s organization, stating, “Everything is top class, and the field has top riders. It’s a great challenge that pushes us to deliver our best.”
Bastida Continues Winning Streak in CSI3*-W 1.40m Class
Spain’s Mariano Martinez Bastida continued his dominant run, winning the CSI3*-W – Faults & Time – 1.40m event aboard bay stallion Quark de Preuilly Z. He delivered a flawless round in 56.14 seconds.
Kuwait’s Ali Al Khorafai, riding chestnut mare Karaat, secured second place in 57.23 seconds, while Portugal’s Duarte Seabra, on bay mare Geniale Star Kervec, claimed third with a time of 57.86 seconds.
Nasser Al Hajri, Sports Director of the event, presented the awards.
Al Kaabi Claims FEI Qualifying Class
Qatar’s Saif Mohammed Al Kaabi thrilled home fans by winning the CSIY-B – Special Two-Phase – 1.30m class, a qualifier for the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Championship for Group 7 Youth.
Riding bay gelding Jethro Colado, Al Kaabi posted flawless times of 49.29 and 31.16 seconds in the two phases. Saudi Arabia’s Abdulaziz Fahad Aleid, aboard bay mare Miss Cooper, finished second (52.14 & 33.49 seconds), while Iran’s Amirhossein Saberi Rad, on chestnut mare Bella Rouge, claimed third (47.46 & 31.38 seconds).
Abdullah Al Qashouti, Director of Marketing & Communications for the event, honored the podium finishers.
H.H. The Amir’s Sword International Equestrian Festival-2025 kicked off on Thursday.
Around 130 Qatar riders will be seen in action alongside some of the international competitors drawn from different continents from Europe to Latin America in the three-day H.H. The Amir’s Sword International Equestrian Festival-2025 taking place at well-renowned prestigious Al Shaqab Longines indoor and outdoor arenas from February 13 to 15.
The Festival organised by the Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF), Al Shaqab and the Qatar Olympic Committee, features showjumping and dressage competitions, runs alongside the prestigious H H The Amir Sword Horse Racing Festival which is taking place at the Al Rayyan Racecourse.
