Kuwait’s Ali Al Khorafi won CHI AL SHAQAB 2015 first gold medal after an exciting CSI3 Jumping Competition in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday. Al Khorafi went clear on 11-year-old mare Ungarin 4 at both competition phases in a course designed by Frank Rothenberger, as did seven more riders, but he was faster by 0,69 seconds than Qatar’s Rashid Towaim Ali Al Marri who clocked 28:82 to finish second along with a 2001-born mare Kannada. 

Finishing after Rashid Towaim Ali Al Marri in second place; third place went to Kuwait's Rakan Al Hasawi riding on Vlacido. His commendable perseverance shows. 

“It wasn’t easy for me. I am only 15 yet I was lucky to get into the third position here. I am happy with my debut at CHI AL SHAQAB and I am sure I will have a chance to improve my result." said Al Hasawi.

A Great ending to the 4th of March for CHI AL SHAQAB 2015 in Doha was highlighted by Qatar's first victory, which came remarkably after a mere two jumping events. 

“This competition is very important to me. It helps to compete in these beautiful surroundings and have all these facilities around. I am very glad to be here. Big thanks to the organizers for their great job”, said the winner Abdul Rahman Mohammed M Al Marri after topping the CSI3 riding on Sidoline van de organizers

Not only did Qatar manage to steal first, but second as well went to Salman Mohammed A S Al Emadi riding on Siec Cosmos Wijngaardhoeve Z. Third went to Ali Al Khorafi from Kuwait, riding on Ventje. Both riders praised the environment of CHI AL SHAQAB competition and are looking forward to an improved performance as the competition progresses. 

CSI5*

Simon Delestre on French bred Stardust Quinhon caused a minor surprise by overwhelming a strong field to claim the first place in the CSI5* at AL SHAQAB 2015. Followed closely by Britain’s Laura Renwick and her young gelding Rembrandt Blue, who had previously established an early lead, by a mere 0,07 seconds.

Finishing in third place was Ireland's Denis Lynch riding on Ho Go Van de Padenborre. The Irish contestant remarked “I am satisfied with my performance and my third place.

It’s only the beginning of the competition yet I got an idea of what it is all about. Quality riders will be showing their best and it will be intensifying as the competition progresses.”

For CHI AL SHAQAB which ends on the 7th of March, the days are filled with excitement and unexpected turn of events. CHI AL SHAQAB which launched in 2013 was the first festival of its kind in the Middle East and Asia.

For the third edition in 2015, once again the best national and international equestrians gather in Doha to take part in this exciting event.

CHI AL SHAQAB