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Tribune News Network
Doha
Being born of greatness means carrying hopes and expectations. It does not come with any guarantees. But as far as Al Adeed Al Shaqab was concerned, continuing a legendary lineage was a responsibility worn comfortably and proudly.
The much-loved symbol of equestrian excellence, the cherished Arabian horse, bred and owned by Qatar Foundation (QF) member Al Shaqab, passed away recently following a brave battle against illness at the age of 23.
The grey stallion leaves behind both a legacy of achievement on both the regional and global stage, as well as a lifetime of memories for those who watched, met and admired him.
Al Adeed was marked for great things from birth. His sire, Ansata Halim Shah, has his own place in equine folklore as one of the most influential stallions of the 20th Century. His dam, SundarAlisayyah, produced a series of multiple champions. And he was a product of the world-renowned Ansata breeding programme. His pedigree was peerless.
Classical in appearance and style, Al Adeed is described by Al Shaqab the world-class equestrian centre based at QF's Education City, where champions are forged and the Arabian horse breed is nurtured, preserved, and promoted as"an incarnation of the ideal Arabian stallion". It is maybe impossible to know if Al Adeed ever felt pressure to live up to his own rich heritage. If he did, he never showed it.
On the global equestrian stage, Al Adeed was a consistent recipient of perfect scores in 'type' from judges, and a winning machine. Within two years of his birth, he had been named Champion Colt at the 1997 Qatar International Arabian Championships. It was just the beginning of his domination of this event between 2000 and 2008, he claimed its Champion Stallion crown five times.
The accolades did not end there. Champion Stallion at the 1999 Middle East International Championships, the 2002 All Nations Cup and the 2005 US Egyptian Event all bore the name of Al Adeed Al Shaqab. And, in 2003, he achieved perhaps the pinnacle of his career: Champion Stallion at the World Arabian Horse Championships. It's little surprise that, following Al Adeed's death last week, a recurring description of him among the many tributes to his achievements is 'King'.
"The word 'legendary' can sometimes be overused in the realms of sport, but it is an entirely fitting way of encapsulating Al Adeed Al Shaqab," saidKhalifaal Attiya, executive director, Al Shaqab.
"His achievements and his spirit are woven into the fabric of Al Shaqab and of the proud Arab equestrian heritage. Just as Al Adeed continued the legacy of his own famed sire AnsataHalim Shah, so his progenies have taken forward his own legacy. We will miss him terribly, but he will always be with us," he added.
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18/11/2018
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