Tribune News Network
Doha
Sheikh Khalifa Al Thani prevailed over Mohammed Khalifa Albaker, who had won the earlier three rounds, to take the Big Tour title in the fourth round of the 14-leg Qatar Equestrian Tour - Longines Hathab Season Six at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s (QEF) indoor arena on Saturday.
Sheikh Khalifa Al Thani excelled on his mount Ierland VDL ( a 9-year-old bay gelding) in the Table A, One round against the clock (130/140cm) event. He returned a swift and flawless round over the high fences in 68.96secs - the only error-free score of the Big Tour on the day.
The victory fetched Sheikh Khalifa valuable points besides the top prize of QR15,000.
The experienced Salmeen Sultan Al Suwaidi, astride 13-year-old chestnut mare Fiori LS, finished second position in 59.42secs having picked four penalties.
Faleh Suwead Al Ajami on bay mare Ambre De Beaufour ended up third in 61.22secs (also with four faults).
The Big Tour leader thus far, Mohammed Albaker, who rode dark brown mare Verona – had to bw content with sixth position as he clocked 64.62 but picked up four faults.
The Big Tour winners were awarded by Badr Al Darwish, President, Qatar Equestrian Federation & Modern Pentathlon Federation (QEFMP), and Chairman, Organizing Committee Longines Hathab.
Earlier in the Open Class, Abdulaziz Ahmad Al Mohannadi combined with eight-year-old dark bay stud Peppercrack K to win the Table A, One round against the clock (115/120cm) event flawlessly in 51.59secs.
Riding 10-year-old Hurry Up, Mohammed Abdulla Juma secured second position with an error-free round in 52.43. Abdulrahman Eisa Al Bukhari with Irschi claimed third position, completing the round in 54.33secs.
Cyrine Cherif, who won the last round in Open Class, finished sixth with chestnut stud Brennus Villelongue clocking 62.88 secs.
The fifth round of Longines Hathab will be held at Al Shaqab on October 14th and 15th.
The Qatar Equestrian Tour - Longines Hathab, supported by The Social and Sport Contribution Fund (Daam), is jointly conducted by QEF and Al Shaqab.
