Tribune News Network
Doha
The 3rd round of the Doha International Equestrian Tour 2025 kicked off on Thursday evening at the glorious Longines Arena of Al Shaqab under the slogan “Where Nobility Meets History”.
As many 400 local and international riders are participating in the event which carries a total prize pool of more than 1.7 million euros. The opening day of three-day Tour saw competitions in the CSI1*, three-star and five-star categories in 6 rounds, in addition to the Future Riders’ class of 60cm.
Bassem stars in CSI5
The opening day’s finale - CSI5* - Faults & Time - 1.50m (LR) - Art. 238.2.1 class which was watched and applauded by an appreciative audience saw Qatar’s accomplished rider Bassem Mohammed strode into the vast outdoor arena on bay gelding F One Usa to record the swiftest and flawless routine in 62.78 seconds. A close second was Scott Brash on his mount Hello Valentino, a grey gelding, clocking 63.24 seconds. Portuguese Duarte Seabra settled for the third podium place with a time of 70.95 seconds with gelding Cooper LB.
The winners were crowned by Bader bin Mohammed Al Darwish, Vice-Chairman of the Organizing Committee of Doha International Tour.
The earlier CSI5* - Two Phases - 1.45m (LR) - Art. 274.1.5.3 class was bagged by the in-form Italian Emanuele Gaudiano, who combined with chestnut gelding Chalou and grey gelding Chalou’s Love PS, to claim the first and third podium places respectively. Gaudiano returned the best time of 29.62 seconds with Chalou, and later rode Chalou’s Love PS to clock and 29.86 seconds. Saudi rider Abdullah Alsharbatly on bay stallion Boeckmanns Lord Pezi Junior was the runner-up finishing the routine in 29.73 seconds.
The winners were crowned by Khalid Issa Al Hammadi, Senior Vice-President Operations at Qatar Airways.
CSI3* - Special Two-Phase - 1.30m also sees excitement
The day’s opening CSI3* - Special Two-Phase - 1.30m - Art. 274.2.5 class saw Qatar’s Mohammed Khalifa Al Baker show his mettle as he rode bay stallion Dukhan 3 effortlessly and emerged as the winner with the fastest and flawless time of 30.56 seconds. Al Baker was followed by Saudi rider Bader Alfard on bay mare Hw Cosette in second place with a time of 31.02 seconds. Egyptian rider Nour Hazem finished in third on Nour Hazem bay stallion Lablue, registering 31.22 seconds on the clock.
The winners were crowned by Omar Al Buainain, Deputy Event Director of the Championship.
The following CSI3* - Faults & Time - 1.45m (LR) - GP Qualifier - Art. 238.2.1 class saw stiffer competition where South African Oliver Lazarus on bay mare Butterfly Ennemmel excelled to take the first place with a best time of 65.83 seconds. He was followed by Spaniard Mariano Martinez Bastida on bay gelding Belano Vd Wijnhoeve Z in the second place with a time of 65.88 seconds, while Qatar’s Khalid Mohammed Al Emadi claimed the third podium spot, finishing in 66.47 seconds on darkbay mare Chikita O.
The winners were crowned by Mr. Salem Abdullah Al Nabit, Head of Legal Affairs at Al Kass Sports.
Qatar riders stand out in CSI1* - Two Phases - 1.20m
The CSI1* - Two Phases - 1.20m - Art. 274.1.5.3 saw Qatari riders excel as Faris Saad A H Al Qahtani, astride dark mare Hidiene, excelled with a flawless best time of 32.44 seconds to take the top podium spot. Ibrahim Yousuf Al Mahmoud on bay gelding Hero was a close second, clocking 32.94 seconds, while Hamad Nasser Al Qadi on bay mare Happy Tina was third with a time of 33.41 seconds.
The podium winners were crowned by Mr. Abdulrahman Al Kaabi, Member, Organizing Committee of Doha International Tour.
The following CSI1* - Special Two-Phase - 1.10m - Art. 274.2.5 class was won by Saudi Abed Sanosy, who rode Nina Rite E Z, flawlessly to finish with a best time of 25.01 seconds. The second place was clinched by Qatar rider Mohammed Hamza Al Kuwari astride grey mare Carte Blanche, clocking 25.2 seconds, while Saudi rider Fonoon Alhumaidan on bay stallion Matcho van de Maashorst finished third place in 25.29 seconds.
The winners were crowned by Mohammed Jaber Al Khayarin, Event Director, Doha International Tour.
Future Riders show
rising levels
The Future Riders’ National Competition - Optimum Time – 60cm brought to light the improving skills of the riders. This class has been added to the Tour to help prepare the growing riders and to involve them in the championship competitions with the aim of developing their abilities and skills. The round saw the participation of 29 entrants and it was topped by Alya Hamad J Al Thani, who rode Geale to finish with an ideal time of 52.22 seconds, 0.22 seconds behind the ideal time. Al Najla Abdulla M Al Khulaifi, astride Peter, with an ideal time of 51.63 seconds, 0.37 seconds behind the ideal time was second, while Mohammed Talal K Talal on Cascade Sammy finished as third in 52.39 seconds, 0.39 seconds behind the ideal time.
Nasser Al Hajri, Sports Director of the Tour, honoured the podium winners with their prizes.
Tour has larger participation than last year’s edition: Omar Al Buainain
Commenting on the start of the third round of the Doha International Equestrian Tour 2025, Omar Al Buainain, Deputy Event Director of the Tour, confirmed that this year’s edition has more riders participating in various categories, including the five-star category which began today with more than 65 riders including world-class riders and representing different nations. “The championship is going according to plan, and witnessing the participation of many prominent riders of the world in the CSI3* and CSI5* classes - which promises more excitement in the Grand Prix rounds to be held Saturday,” he said.
“With the Doha rounds reaching their final stages, it is now imperative for us to continue on the same distinguished approach in the upcoming championships, most notably HH The Amir’s Sword for Showjumping,” he added.
The Deputy Event Director of the Championship also praised the distinguished performance of the Qatari riders in the championship and their ascent to the podiums on more than one occasion, and which will be reflected in the performance of the National team in the upcoming continental participations.
