Tribune News Network
Doha
Duarte Seabra of Portugal surprised a top field to claim the CSI4* Grand Prix title while Qatari riders excelled in the CSI2* and Future Riders’ category at the Longines outdoor and indoor areans of Al Shaqab on the third and final day of the second round of Doha International Equestrian Tour 2025 on Saturday.
As many as six different classes for the CSI1*, two-star and four-star categories, in addition to a round for the Future Riders were staged as the second round of the Tour witnessed more than 320 participations by local and international riders, with total prizes amounting to more than €500,000.
The marquee CSI4*- Grand Prix - Jump Off - 1.55m (LR) - Art. 238.2.2 class which added to the glorious lit up Longines outdoor arena of Al Shaqab threw up a surprise winner in Duarte Seabra. The Portuguese excelled on Dourados 2, a grey gelding, to beat a challenging competition with a swift flawless time of 39.03 seconds in the jump-off for the top prize of €50,000.
The in-form Gerfried Puck of Austria had to settle for the second place with a time of 39.75 seconds on the back chestnut stallion Equitron Naxcel V. Puck won €40,000.
German rider Jan Friedrich Meier-Zimmermann came in third place, achieving 38.97 seconds on the back of Aaron Dams.
German rider Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann on chestnut mate Iron Dames Dubai du Cedre finished third in 38.97 seconds to win €30,000.
The CSI4* Grand Prix champions were crowned by Rashid Nasser Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of Doha International Tour, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Noah Al Thani, Secretary-General of Qatar Equestrian Federation and Member of the Organizing Committee.
Gaudiano dazzles in CSI4*- Faults & Time - 1.45m
The international CSI4*- Faults & Time - 1.45m (LR) - Art. 238.2.1 class had Emanuele Gaudiano taking two podium places. The Italian, riding bay stallion Nikolaj de Music, emerged as the winner in flawless 50.84 seconds, and with darkbay stallion Vasco 118 took the third podium spot finishing in 52.78 seconds. Portuguese Mariano Martinez Bastida, on bay gelding Belano Vd Wijnhoeve Z, was second finishing in 52.28 seconds.
The winners were crowned by Saud Al Rumaihi, Director of Facilities and Logistics Support at the Organizing Committee of Doha International Tour.
Puck tops CSI2* Grand Prix
Gerfried Puck continued good form to bag the CSI2* - Grand Prix - Jump Off - 1.45m (LR) - Art. 238.2.2 title despite fierce competition. The Austrian stood out on bay mare Equitron Melody Vd Smidshoeve flawless best jump off time of 33.76 seconds. Portuguese Duarte Seabra on bay mare Geniale Star Kervec finished as the runners-up, clocking 35.37 seconds. The third podium place was claimed by Italian Roberto Previtali with a time of 37.08 seconds on chestnut stallion Qashquai SB.
The winners were crowned by Ali bin Yousef Al Rumaihi, Member of the Board of Directors of Qatar Equestrian Federation.
Haidan best in CSI2* - Faults & Time - 1.35m class
Qatari rider Hussain Said AM Haidan excelled in the international CSI2* - Faults & Time - 1.35m - Art. 238.2.1 class as he rode Viahipi d’Auzay, a chestnut gelding, impressively to claim the title with a clear round of 52.06 seconds. Saudi Arabia’s Bader Alfard, on grey mare Hw Cosette, was the runners-up with a time of 53.5 seconds on Cosette, while Frenchman Antoine Ermann on bay stallion Je T’Adore finished third place with a time of 56.41 seconds.
The winners were crowned by Mr. Nasser Al Kuwari, Director of Support Services at the tournament.
CSI1* Grand Prix title for Abdulaziz Fahad Aleid
The international CSI1*- Grand Prix - Jump Off - 1.25m - Art. 238.2.2 class was won by Abdulaziz Fahad Aleid of Saudi Arabia, who combined with bay gelding Kayenne Of de Rocky Mounten to return the best flawless time of 35.86 seconds in the jump-off. His compatriot Khaled Alhady, riding chestnut gelding Doremi du Flot Z, was second in 36.07 seconds, while Qatar’s promising rider Haya Khalid Al Hitmi rode Hustique, a lightbay mare, with poise to clock 37.86 seconds for the third podium place.
The winners of the class were crowned by Mr. Omar Al Buainain, Deputy Director of the tournament.
The CSI1* - Immediate Jump Off - 1.15m - Art. 238.2.2 + 245.3 event was won by Moroccan Achraf Oualla, who astride bay gelding Diamant D Amour, topped with a time of 31.46 seconds. His compatriot Omar Qermane on darkbrown mare Filerna followed in 32.99 seconds, while Qatar’s Hamad Nasser Al Qadi claimed the third podium place, riding bay mare No Limit MB and clocking 33.97 seconds.
The winners were crowned by His Excellency Dahlan Al Hamad, President of the Asian Athletics Federation.
Nayla bint Tamim bin Hamad shines in Future Riders
In the morning, the National Competition - Optimum Time – 100cm class at the Longines indoor arena of Al Shaqab saw Nayla bint Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani show her class as she guided Bon Suela with determination to return the best flawless time of 67.23 seconds, 0.23 seconds behind the ideal time and claim the title.
Nayla was followed by Khalifa bin Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, 0.41 seconds behind the ideal time, riding Zion II, while the third best time was achieved by Egyptian rider Yassin Mohamed Khalifa on Fanta Sparta, 0.91 seconds behind the ideal time.
The winners were crowned and awarded with their prizes by His Excellency Timmy Davis, US Ambassador to the State of Qatar.
Doha International Tour exceptional: Mohammed Jaber Al Khayarin
Commenting on the successful conclusion of the second round of the Doha International 2025, Mohammed Jaber Al Khayarin, Event Director of Doha International Tour, stressed that event was within the framework of the championship and the organizing committee seeks to provide an ideal environment that supports and enhances the principles and values of equestrian sports in the region as a whole - which contributes to increasing the participation of various segments of society and visitors in the championship competitions, in addition to riders representing more than 25 countries.
He added that the Doha rounds and the championships that will follow enhance the position of Qatari equestrianism on the global stage. The third round of the Tour will include the CSI5*round, which will have the participation of more international riders coming to Doha to compete and hence will have endless excitement, especially with the increase in the value of the cash prizes on offer.
“The high levels, quality of organization and public attendance were the most prominent headlines in the last two rounds of the Doha International Tour 2025, which brings us to another date with an exceptional event next week. Today, we continue on the path of excellence and leadership in equestrian sports,” said Al Khayarin.
